Background: Traditional prosthetic fabrication relies heavily on plaster casting and 3D models for the accurate\nproduction of prosthetics to allow patients to begin rehabilitation and participate in daily activities. Recent\ntechnological advancements allow for the use of 2D photographs to fabricate individualized prosthetics based on\npatient anthropometrics. Additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) enhances the capability of prosthesis manufacturing\nby significantly increasing production speed and decreasing production cost. Existing literature has extensively\ndescribed the validity of using computer-aided design and 3D printing for fabrication of upper limb prostheses. The\npresent investigation provides a detailed description of the development of a patient specific body-powered 3D\nprinted partial finger prosthesis and compares its qualitative and functional characteristics to a commercially available\nfinger prosthesis.\nCase presentation: A 72-year old white male with a partial finger amputation at the proximal interphalangeal joint of\nthe left hand performed a simple gross motor task with two partial finger prostheses and completed two self-reported\nsurveys (QUEST & OPUS). Remote fitting of the 3D printed partial finger began after receipt of 2D photographs of the\npatientâ??s affected and non-affected limbs. Prosthetic fitting when using 3D printable materials permitted the use of\nthermoforming around the patientâ??s residual limb, allowing for a comfortable but tight-fitting socket. Results of the\ninvestigation show improved performance in the Box and Block Test when using both prostheses (22 blocks per\nminute) as compared to when not using a prosthesis (18 blocks per minute). Both body-powered prostheses\ndemonstrated slightly lower task-efficiency when compared to the non-affected limb (30 blocks per minute) for the\ngross motor task. Results of the QUEST and OPUS describe specific aspects of both prostheses that are highly relevant\nto quality of life and functional performance when using partial finger prostheses.\nConclusion: The use of 3D printing exhibits great potential for the fabrication of functional partial finger prostheses\nthat improve function in amputees. In addition, 3D printing provides an alternative means for patients located in\nunderdeveloped or low-income areas to procure a functional finger prosthesis.
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