Prosthetic Thumb Design and Development by Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

The proposed work deals with the production of a thumb prosthesis from ASA (Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic) material using FDM (Fused deposition modeling) additive manufacturing technology. The prosthesis serves as a substitute for the deformity of the hand (absence of the thumb including the metacarpal bone) and as a support point for grasping objects to restore the lost opposition function of the thumb. The shape of the thumb and the socket of the prosthesis are designed individually based on a 3D scan of the subject's healthy hand. The design of the prosthesis was developed according to the anatomically correct condition and the user's requirements. The socket of the prosthesis sufficiently copies the relief of the subject's hand, which results in a sufficient attachment of the prosthesis to the hand segment and the comfort of the subject while wearing the prosthetic aid.