Anna was referred to the IATP Makers program by her outpatient hand occupational therapist to address fabricating a replica of her custom splint made for her at the clinic. Anna is a hairdresser and spends hours on end in the salon styling hair. Due to a diagnosis of Ligamentous laxity, a partial or complete tear in the ligaments, affecting her thumb and joints, styling hair can be challenging.
Anna was referred to a hand clinic to receive a customized hand brace for temporary use while working until she can get surgery. The splint that was made for Anna was wearing down fast and had already broken at one point prior to her discharge from therapy. Upon discharge from therapy, the Makers program was recommended by the hand therapist to replicate a backup brace of the splint that Anna can wear when or if needed.
The Makers team utilized 3D-scanning software to scan Anna’s hand and create a 3D model to form the brace onto it. The exact design, considerations, and measurements including the degree of angle her thumb should be in, was determined through reference of her existing splint and approval of her prior hand therapist. The materials used to fabricate, and 3D print the brace were carefully considered and chosen to be safe for skin contact. The brace was 3D printed with multiple air pockets included in the design to allow Anna’s hand to breathe more. While the brace does not aim to replace the hand splint, it serves the purpose of providing backup as needed.
