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. 2021 Nov 18;16(11):e0260271.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260271. eCollection 2021.

Effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions: A scoping review

T A M Oud  1 , E Lazzari  2 , H J H Gijsbers  1 , M Gobbo  2   3 , F Nollet  1 , M A Brehm  1
Affiliations

Effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions: A scoping review

T A M Oud et al. PLoS One. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA-ScR flow diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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