Effectiveness of 3D-printed Orthoses for Traumatic and Chronic Hand Conditions: A Scoping Review

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2021 Nov 18

PMID 34793566

Citations 8

Authors

T A M Oud

E Lazzari

H J H Gijsbers

M Gobbo

F Nollet

M A Brehm

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: In the field of orthotics, the use of three-dimensional (3D) technology as an alternative to the conventional production process of orthoses is growing.

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to systematically map and summarize studies assessing the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions, and to identify knowledge gaps.

Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, IEEE, and PEDro were searched for studies of any type of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions. Any outcome related to the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses was considered. Two reviewers selected eligible studies, charted data on study characteristics by impairment type, and critically appraised the studies, except for case reports/series.

Results: Seventeen studies were included: four randomized controlled trials, four uncontrolled trials, four case series and five case reports. Only three studies had a sample size >20. Impairments described were forearm fractures (n = 5), spasticity (n = 5), muscle weakness (n = 4), joint contractures (n = 2) and pain (n = 1). Four poor to fair quality studies on forearm fractures supported the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses on hand function, functionality, and satisfaction. One good quality study on spasticity demonstrated the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses on hand function. One poor quality pain study reported limited positive effects on satisfaction. Studies on muscle weakness and joint contractures showed no benefits.

Conclusion: Current literature addressing the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions consists primarily of small and poor methodological quality studies. There is a need for well-designed controlled trials including patient-related outcomes, production time and cost analyses.

Citing Articles

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What is known from the existing literature about the treatment of Mallet Injury using 3D printed splints? A Scoping Review Protocol.

Cronin U, Shannon A, O hAodha M, OSullivan A, Cummins N, OSullivan L HRB Open Res. 2024; 7:21.

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Examining the Flexural Behavior of Thermoformed 3D-Printed Wrist-Hand Orthoses: Role of Material, Infill Density, and Wear Conditions.

Vlasceanu D, Popescu D, Baciu F, Stochioiu C Polymers (Basel). 2024; 16(16).

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Preliminary effectiveness and production time and costs of three-dimensional printed orthoses in chronic hand conditions: an interventional feasibility study.

Oud T, Bogaards J, Nollet F, Brehm M J Rehabil Med. 2024; 56:jrm39946.

PMID: 38742877 PMC: 11107831. DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v56.39946.

The Upper Limb Orthosis in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: The Role of 3D Printing.

Demeco A, Foresti R, Frizziero A, Daracchi N, Renzi F, Rovellini M Bioengineering (Basel). 2023; 10(11).

PMID: 38002380 PMC: 10669460. DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111256.

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