Usage experience of work arm using the unit manufactured with a 3D printer for cooking procedure with partial hand amputee

Abstract

More than about 80% of activities of daily living can be performed on the unaffected side with partial hand amputation, so the patient often receives only a cosmetic hand. However, bimanual action is certainly necessary among patients, and the work arm becomes the adaptation in this case. We prescribed the work arm for a partial hand amputation patient. In addition, we enabled the installation of various kitchen utensils by request to manufacture a joint using a three-dimensional (3D) printer which can prescribe the shape that we want to arrange and prescribe the shape freely. Moreover, it was possible to improve durability and strength, and it became possible to perform bimanual action and to work more than 30 minutes, and thus to return to employment, particularly in the case of cooking procedures. We can expect to expand the possibility for a “utilizable work arm” that the patient hopes for in the future by using the 3D printer sequentially.