Using a 3D-Printed Hand Orthosis to Improve Three-Jaw Chuck Hand Function in Individuals With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Feasibility Study

Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI) often use a tenodesis grip to compensate for their hand function deficits. Although clinical evidence confirms that assistive devices can help achieve hand function improvements, the currently available devices have some limitations in terms of their price and accessibility and the difference in the user’s muscle strength. Therefore, in this study, we developed a 3D-printed wrist-driven orthosis to improve the gripping effect and tested the feasibility of this device by assessing its functional outcomes. A total of eight participants with hand function impairment due to a C-SCI were enrolled, and a wrist-driven orthosis with a triple four-bar linkage was designed. The hand function of the participants was assessed before and after they wore the orthosis, and the outcomes were assessed using a pinch force test, a dexterity test (Box and block test, BBT), and a Spinal Cord Independence Measure Version III questionnaire. In the results, before the participants wore the device, the pinch force was 0.26 lb. However, after they wore the device, it increased by 1.45 lb. The hand dexterity also increased by 37%. After 2 weeks, the pinch force increased by 1.6 lb and the hand dexterity increased by 78%. However, no significant difference was observed in the self-care ability. The results showed that this 3D-printed device with a triple four-bar linkage for individual with C-SCI improved pinch strength and hand dexterity in these patients, but did not improve their self-care ability. It may help patient in the early stages of C-SCI to learn and use the tenodesis grip easily. However, the usability of the device in daily life needs further research.