University of Twente Student Theses

3D-printed upper limb prosthetics for Sierra Leone : development of an automated computer-aided design process for customized transhumeral sockets and manufacturing of low-cost passive adjustable prostheses

Graaf, P. de (2022) 3D-printed upper limb prosthetics for Sierra Leone : development of an automated computer-aided design process for customized transhumeral sockets and manufacturing of low-cost passive adjustable prostheses.

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Abstract:	Introduction – Limb amputations have a huge impact on people’s lives. Sierra Leone is a country with a high number of people with a limb amputation, while mostly a prosthesis is out of reach. It is estimated that only 5% of people with a limb amputation in low-income countries have access to prosthetic care. The 3D Sierra Leoneproject aims to make prostheses accessible for local communities by means of three-dimensional (3D) printing and local staff that can carry out the manufacturing process independently. The objective of this study is to automate the digital design process to overcome the need for special design skills and implement this at Masanga Hospital in Sierra Leone to make transhumeral prostheses. Methods – Grasshopper (Rhinoceros) parametric modelling was used to make the software back-end for an interactive platform, TwikFit. TwikFit offers an interface for the user to convert residual limb 3D-scans into transhumeral prosthetic socket geometries. Two socket designs were synthesized to overcome varying length of residual limbs. User input is minimized to setting three reference points and the length of the contralateral arm. 3D-printed customized transhumeral prostheses were manufactured, consisting of a dynamic elbow, forearm and hand in addition to the socket. The prostheses were fixated with a harness. At intake and follow-up, questionnaires were administered to measure the influence of the prostheses on quality of life (QoL), satisfaction of the included patients and functionality of the prostheses. Results – Prosthetic sockets were generated using the TwikFit platform and 3D-printed for four included patients. Assembling of all components resulted in four passive adjustable transhumeral prostheses, two of each design. By means of the questionnaires, the patients expressed their satisfaction with aesthetics and properties of the device, and (somewhat) achieved their personal goals. QoL related to the physical condition of the patients overall improved at follow-up. Functionality scoring did not show unanimous results. Conclusion – This proof of concept demonstrates how to automate a digital design process for customized prosthetic sockets. With the interactive platform and minimal input, transhumeral sockets were generated. Four 3D-printed passive adjustable transhumeral prostheses were manufactured and handed to patients in Sierra Leone, which were mainly worn to improve aesthetics. Long-term follow-up is required to administer the questionnaires again and evaluate aspects like usability and durability of the devices over time. Additionally, local staff need to verify whether all requirements are met by the presented method.
Item Type:	Essay (Master)
Faculty:	TNW: Science and Technology
Programme:	Technical Medicine MSc (60033)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/90527
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