Session Information
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2019
Session Title: Section Info: Annual Assembly Posters (Non Presentations)
Session Time: 11:15am-12:45pm
Location: Research Hub - Kiosk 8
Disclosures: Richa Sheth, MSIII: Nothing to disclose
Case Description: The patient suffered a traumatic right long transradial amputation from machete attack in 1994. Despite preserved flexor and extensor muscles and good muscle control, the patient did not have a prosthesis. We modified and printed an open-source 3-dimensional (3D) body-powered hand to custom fit our patient that was modified for myoelectric control. A custom designed circuit and control program were made to receive electromyographic input signals from common flexors and extensors, and transmit them as a command to flex or extend the digits of the hand the desired amount.
Setting: Rehabilitation Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.
Patient: A 46-year-old male transradial amputee.
Assessment/Results: We delivered the first myoelectric right hand prosthesis in 2017. A replacement was redesigned, reprinted, and delivered in 2018 after the first malfunctioned when exposed to water. The prosthesis is powered by a 9 volt battery with simple construction that can be supported in his developing world environment. With minimal training, the patient was able to lift, release, and move objects at will while wearing the prosthesis and he was able to regain employment for the first time since his injury.
Discussion: Current barriers to myoelectric prostheses in developing countries are cost and accessibility. Readily available open-source 3D printed prostheses are myoelectrically controlled or body-powered, engaging either wrist flexion or elbow flexion to close the terminal device. While such devices do not have the same cosmesis, functionality, and longevity as traditional prostheses, these open-source devices are made with readily available components on consumer grade printers, opening up a world of opportunity for patients in economically constrained environments with limited resources for traditional prostheses.
Conclusion: Modified open-source 3D printed myoelectric prostheses can help patients regain upper limb function and social integration when access to traditional prostheses is limited or impossible.
Level of Evidence: Level V
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Sheth R, Hagen MH, Vanodia V, Bartels MN, Rand S. 3D Printed Myoelectric Hand for Improved Functional Ability in an Upper Extremity Amputee in a Developing World Setting: A Case Report [abstract]. PM R. 2019; 11(S2)(suppl 2). https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/3d-printed-myoelectric-hand-for-improved-functional-ability-in-an-upper-extremity-amputee-in-a-developing-world-setting-a-case-report/. Accessed September 7, 2024.« Back to AAPM&R Annual Assembly 2019
PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/3d-printed-myoelectric-hand-for-improved-functional-ability-in-an-upper-extremity-amputee-in-a-developing-world-setting-a-case-report/