An extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint produced with a 3D printer

Abstract

The invention relates to an extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint produced with a 3D printer. The splint of the invention is produced with a 3D printer according to the hand size of the patients who have lost their hand functions and aims to enable the patients to regain their hand functions and to perform their daily activities again.

Description

[0001] AN EXTENSOR DYNAMIC WRIST-HAND-FINGER SPLINT PRODUCED WITH A 3D PRINTER

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to an extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint produced with a 3D printer.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] In current applications, the use of technology, 3D scanning, design and production methods is limited. Production and applications are made with traditional methods. In 3D production applications, anatomical structures and positions are not taken into account at the required level and the delivery process of the product to the patient is very long.

[0006] US2006276735A1 discloses nerve splints developed for the hand including an orthotic glove. The object of the invention is to provide treatment with a glove for peripheral nerve damage in the upper extremities.

[0007] CA2232650A1 discloses an orthosis (device) for one of the joints of the human body, such as the ankle or wrist. The object of the invention is to provide an orthotic design that is useful in almost every joint of the human body.

[0008] WO2022094736A1 discloses an orthosis structure that facilitates finger and wrist extension movements in finger movements. The orthosis structure that facilitates the mentioned finger extension; The main part of the main part extending from the proximal phalanges for the thumb and the middle phalanges for the fingers to the wrist joint consists of an elastic glove.

[0009] When the existing studies in the prior art were examined, it was necessary to develop an extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint that is much more effective, comfortable and allows long-term use in the use of patients with loss of hand functions.

[0010] Objectives of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to develop an extensor dynamic wrist-hand- finger splint, which is produced with a 3D printer according to the hand size of patients with loss of hand functions and enables them to regain their hand functions and regain their daily activities.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop an extensor dynamic wristhand-finger splint for patients with complete loss of function in the extensor or flexor direction, which allows the lost function to be restored by using an elastic band passing over the roller rod in the direction of functional loss.

[0013] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0014] The extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint proviede for achieve the objects of the present invention is shown in the attached figures.

[0015] Figures;

[0016] Figure 1: A side view of an extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0017] Figure 2: A side view of the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention with the addition of fixation bands and elastic band.

[0018] Figure 3: A front view of the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0019] Figure 4: A front view of the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention with fixation bands and elastic band addition.

[0020] Figure 5: A view of the radial wrist piece (1) in an extensor dynamic wrist-hand- finger splint of the invention. Figure 6: A view of the extension rod (2) with roller attachment in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0021] Figure 7: A view of the radial hand piece (3) in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand- finger splint of the invention.

[0022] Figure 8: A view of the motion transfer bar (4) in the extensor dynamic wristhand-finger splint of the invention.

[0023] Figure 9: A view of the dorsal hand piece (5) in an extensor dynamic wrist-hand- finger splint of the invention.

[0024] Figure 10: A view of the palmar hand piece (6) in the extensor dynamic wristhand-finger splint of the invention.

[0025] Figure 11: A view of the thumb positioning piece (7) in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0026] Figure 12: A view of the inter-phalangeal connection piece (9) in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0027] Figure 13: A view of the distal piece (8) of the rod mechanism in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0028] Figure 14: A different view of the distal piece (8) of the rod mechanism in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0029] Figure 15: A view of the distal and proximal fixation parts (10) in the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention.

[0030] Figure 16: A view of the radial forearm piece (11) in the extensor dynamic wristhand-finger splint of the invention.

[0031] Figure 17: A perspective view of an extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention. Figure 18: A perspective view of the extensor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint of the invention with fixation bands and elastic band addition.

[0032] 1. Radial wrist piece

[0033] 2. Extension rod with roller attachment

[0034] 3. Radial hand piece

[0035] 4. Motion transfer rod

[0036] 5. Dorsal hand piece

[0037] 6. Palmar hand piece

[0038] 7. Thumb positioning piece

[0039] 8. Distal piece of the rod mechanism

[0040] 9. Inter-phalangeal connection piece

[0041] 10. Distal and proximal fixation parts

[0042] 11. Radial forearm piece

[0043] 12. Fixing bands

[0044] 13. Elastic band

[0045] The invention relates to an extensor or flexor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint produced with a 3D printer, it comprises, radial forearm piece (11) which completes the splint by supporting the forearm and covers approximately 2 / 3 of the forearm, radial wrist piece (1), which is connected to the radial forearm piece (11) and provides control of the patient's hand deviation, extension rod (2) with roller attachments, connected to the radial wrist piece (1) and increases or decreases the pulling angle of the elastic band, radial hand piece (3), which is connected to the radial wrist piece (1) and forms the body of the splint and is the basic part that fixes the hand, motion transfer rod (4), which is connected to the radial wrist piece (1), located on the dorsal part of the hand and allows the wrist motion to be transferred to the fingers, dorsal hand piece (5), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3) and is designed to be suitable for the curved structure of the dorsal hand to prevent pressure on the metacarpal heads, palmar hand piece (6), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3), is located on the palmar part of the hand and provides the necessary support from this area and provides fixation of the hand to the radial hand piece (3) together with the dorsal hand piece (5), thumb positioning piece (7), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3) and allows the thumb to be fixed and abducted on the patient, distal piece of the rod mechanism (8), which is connected to the motion transfer rod (4) and the radial hand piece (3) and allows correction of the deviation of the hand or maintenance of its anatomical position, inter-phalangeal connecting piece (9), which is connected with the distal part of the rod mechanism (8), allowing the proximal and middle phalanges to be connected to each other, distal and proximal fixation parts (10), which are connected to the inter- phalangeal connecting piece (9) and hold the index and middle finger together by fixing them at the proximal and middle phalanges.

[0046] Forearm and hand scans and measurements are taken for a patient who has decreased hand functions and is suitable to use extensor or flexor dynamic wristhand-finger splint produced with the 3D printer of the invention. The radial forearm piece (11) is designed by editing the scan data in computer environment. According to the length and circumference measurements taken from the hand, the other parts of the splint are designed on CAD programmes and their compliance with the scan data is checked on CAD programmes. According to the hand deviation, the radial wrist piece (1) is designed by giving the appropriate angle to the patient. The radial hand piece (3) is designed according to the measurements and the connection points of the other parts are formed and the thumb is brought to the opposition. For the dorsal hand piece (5) and palmar hand piece (6), concave, convex designs specific to the arch structure of the hand that will provide the comfort of the hand, as well as designs that take into account the slopes and angles that will prevent pressure on the metacarpal heads. The thumb positioning piece (7), which will bring the thumb to abduction, is designed to give the required abduction angle and length measurement. Distal and proximal fixation parts (10) are designed with the circumference measurements taken from the index and middle fingers. All parts are produced with 3D printers together with the other parts whose designs are completed according to the measurements taken, and the produced parts are assembled. Comfort is provided by making the necessary soft inner coatings at the points in contact with the patient. It is checked whether the splint applied to the patient fulfils its function. At the points where correction is required, plastic (PLA (polylactic acid)) is shaped by heat treatment with a heat gun or reprints are made with rapid changes in design, and the parts are harmonised. In the event that the changes occurring in the patient are observed during the progressive use process and the part that needs to be replaced is detected, the modular parts are dismantled, the reproduced part is assembled and the splint is made ready and delivered to the patient.

[0047] In the splint according to the invention, the radial wrist piece (1) provides the connection of the radial forearm piece (11) to the radial hand piece (3). An extension rod with roller attachment (2) is mounted on the radial wrist piece (1).

[0048] The extension rod with a roller attachment (2) will be used to increase the band angle during the connection of the extensor elastic band to the radial forearm piece (11) and radial hand piece (3). In case flexor band use is planned, the connection direction of the part will be changed and the band will work in flexion direction. Therefore, the design plan has also been made in such a way that the invented splint can be produced not only for the functional losses of the extensor muscles but also for the functional losses of the flexor muscles (when flexor elastic band is required (when the direction of paralysis is in the flexion direction) by changing the direction of use in some small parts (by turning the rod with spool addition from the extensor direction to the flexor direction).

[0049] The radial hand piece (3) forms the body of the splint and is the main stabilising part of the hand. Other parts are fixed on this part and the splint is formed. The dorsal hand piece (5) and palmar hand piece (6) are designed to be adjustable in metacarpal (MC) height according to the size of the hand. Extensor or flexor elastic band connection can be made thanks to the pulley on it.

[0050] The motion transfer rod (4) is located dorsal to the hand and forms the upper part of the 4-arm mechanism. It provides the transfer of movement to realise the function of the wrist movement to move the fingers.

[0051] The dorsal hand piece (5) was designed by giving the necessary slopes to fit the curved structure of the hand. In the part where the connection to the radial hand piece (3) is realised, the hand dorsal is supported and pressure on the metacarpal heads is prevented by designing it with an angle suitable for the anatomy of the hand.

[0052] The palmar hand piece (6) was curved according to the anatomical arches of the hand and the design was made to fully support the hand. The dorsal hand piece (5) supported the dorsal hand and was connected to the radial hand piece (3).

[0053] The distal part of the rod mechanism (8) allows the movement to be transferred to the fingers. The design is customised for the patient to maintain deviation or hand position. The distal part of the rod mechanism (8) is connected to the radial hand piece (3) by the movement transfer rod (4) and radial wrist piece (1) of the mechanism, and the part allows the fingers to open and close by moving in wrist extension and flexion. In the design of the part, it was taken into consideration that the deviation given from the wrist can be continued in the proximal and middle phalanx.

[0054] The interphalangeal connection piece (9) provides a connection between the proximal and middle phalanx. In order to orientate the middle phalanx towards the radial deviation (for finger deviation problems that may develop with the wrist in spinal cord, head injuries and brain injury paralysis), the part design was made by enlarging the middle phalanx (to tolerate soft internal supports).

[0055] The distal and proximal fixation parts (10) fix the index and middle finger together at the proximal and middle phalanx region and help the splint to fulfil its function by helping to realise a triple grip with the thumb when grasping occurs. The design of the part was made by considering suitable slots for the fingers to fully grasp.

[0056] Radial forearm piece (11) supports the splint from the forearm. The radial wrist piece (1) is connected to the radial hand piece (3).

[0057] Velcro fixing bands (12) provide the fixation of the splint to the fingers, hand and forearm.

[0058] The elastic band (13) provides extension passive movement of the wrist when necessary.

[0059] In the production of the splint subject of the invention, 3D scanning and 3D production methods were used by increasing the reflection of the developing technology to the design and production stages. The design and production stages have been made faster and more practical.

[0060] The functional anatomy of the hand was evaluated in all aspects (bone dimensions, arches, deviations in the wrist) and integrated with 3D scanning and production methods.

[0061] Parts are designed to allow changes during application to the patient. The parts are designed in such a way that they can be lengthened-shortened, narrowed- expanded. The use of an extensor elastic band allows patients who cannot use their extensor muscles to benefit from this orthosis.

[0062] In the technique, it was observed that an extensor elastic band was not used in a splint produced by 3D scanning and production method. With this addition, the usage area of the splint has expanded and an orthosis that can be used by more users has been produced.

[0063] In the designed and manufactured splint, the functional anatomy of the hand was evaluated in every aspect and the design was made in accordance with the functional position of the hand. Deviation of the hand was taken into consideration. The production of the splint was made modularly. If any changes are desired to be made, changes can be made on the existing digital files and production and assembly can be done in a very short time. In the production of the parts, it is designed in such a way that extension-shortening and narrowing- expansion can be made suitable for the patient. In this way, it is possible to make modifications in some parts so that there is no need for production from the beginning.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An extensor or flexor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint produced with a 3D printer, characterized by, it comprises, radial forearm piece (11) which completes the splint by supporting the forearm and covers approximately 2 / 3 of the forearm, radial wrist piece (1), which is connected to the radial forearm piece (11) and provides control of the patient's hand deviation, extension rod (2) with roller attachments, connected to the radial wrist piece (1) and increases or decreases the pulling angle of the elastic band, radial hand piece (3), which is connected to the radial wrist piece (1) and forms the body of the splint and is the basic part that fixes the hand, motion transfer rod (4), which is connected to the radial wrist piece (1), located on the dorsal part of the hand and allows the wrist motion to be transferred to the fingers, dorsal hand piece (5), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3) and is designed to be suitable for the curved structure of the dorsal hand to prevent pressure on the metacarpal heads, palmar hand piece (6), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3), is located on the palmar part of the hand and provides the necessary support from this area and provides fixation of the hand to the radial hand piece (3) together with the dorsal hand piece (5), thumb positioning piece (7), which is connected to the radial hand piece (3) and allows the thumb to be fixed and abducted on the patient, distal piece of the rod mechanism (8), which is connected to the motion transfer rod (4) and the radial hand piece (3) and allows correction of the deviation of the hand or maintenance of its anatomical position,inter-phalangeal connecting piece (9), which is connected with the distal part of the rod mechanism (8), allowing the proximal and middle phalanges to be connected to each other, distal and proximal fixation parts (10), which are connected to the inter-phalangeal connecting piece (9) and hold the index and middle finger together by fixing them at the proximal and middle phalanges.

2. An extensor or flexor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint according to claim 1, characterized by, it comprises a channel for fixing the radial hand piece (3), dorsal hand piece (5) and palmar hand piece (6).

3. An extensor or flexor dynamic wrist-hand-finger splint according to claim 1, characterized by, the distal and proximal fixation parts (10) contain slots to ensure that the fingers can be fully grasped.

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