The below-elbow artificial limb (prosthesis) consists of a Socket and a Gripper. The socket is the part which is in direct contact with the residual limb and serves as an interface between the stump and the artificial limb (prosthesis). Upper extremity artificial limb (prosthesis) components are made using a wide variety of materials such as Wood, Plastic, Metal and Carbon fibre.

This study aims to assess the efficacy of incorporating a cost-effective material like Polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate or Polyurethane, while using a cost-effective additive Manufacturing process known as 3D Printing, as a component in the below-elbow artificial limb, while following fabrication of the prosthetic socket as per current good clinical practices. This may make the prosthesis cheaper, lighter and easy to maintain in the community. In addition, the amputee’s may be able to handle a variety of objects without relying too much on visual feedback and without the assistance of any other person. The ability to handle day to day objects independently is important with reference to social and cultural practices in India. In the event of a natural disaster, fabrication of a 3D Printed prosthesis may be easier as compared to the conventional prosthesis. 

Patients with below elbow amputation would be screened in the Department of Prostheses and Orthoses for fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Participants must have been using body-powered or battery-powered hand prosthesis for at least six months. For those who consent to participate in the study, a 3D Printed below elbow artificial limb (transradial prosthesis) would be fabricated. The primary outcome measures which would be used in the study (10 object handling test, 2 minute Weight Pick test, Nature of Object Identification test have been validated. Quality of life analysis would be done in the lab of Department of Prostheses and Ortheses - initially at the first visit with a conventional below elbow artificial limb (transradial prosthesis) if available and then after 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks of fabrication and fitment of the 3D Printed below elbow artificial limb (transradial prosthesis). Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire would be filled at the initial visit and after 3 weeks of fabricating 3D Printed artificial limb (prosthesis) to assess the learning time of the 3D Printed Prosthesis, Object Handling, Nature of Object Identification and patient satisfaction. Data would then be compared and reported. During the Trial, the patient will not be permitted to take the device home.