3D Printed Made to Measure Splints for Hand Patients

3D Printed Made to Measure Splints for Hand Patients - Pilot Feasibility Study and Socioeconomic Evaluation

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and possible benefits of 3D-printed made to measure splints for postoperative or post-traumatic treatment in hand surgical patients (intervention group) in comparison to thermoplastic splints individually adjusted by occupational therapists (control group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients presenting to the hand surgical department of the University Hospital Basel
• Patients with hand trauma w/wo the need for hand surgery or patient with planned elective hand surgical intervention
• Indication for immobilization of at least 4 weeks
• Older than 18 years
• Capable of consent
• Informed Consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

• Open wounds with tissue loss
• Injury with the need for external fixation
• Younger than 18 years
• Not capable of consent
• Asymmetric deformity or loss of the contra-lateral hand
• Documented hypersensitivity or allergy to Polylactic acid
• Known or suspected non-compliance to agreed treatment measures and/or unexcused nonappearance to hospital appointments
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant
• Previous enrolment into the current study