Digital Intervention Generating Innovation in ProsThetics: DIGITs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot Study into the use of 3D printing to create single or multiple digit prosthesis.
IRAS ID
215269
Contact name
Paul Carlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Innovation department, Ulster Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
With 3D printing becoming a more widely used technology, and its slow incorporation into the medical field, It is important to look at how the technology can be used in mainstream healthcare, and also in relation to prosthetics.
Traditionally, our hospital makes single or multiple digit prosthetics from silicone, made to match each individual's skin tone. These prostheses are for aesthetics only and this is a time-consuming process completed by a highly specialised individual, and is therefore expensive.
This research will give 8 individuals, who have lost one or more digits at the PIP joint or proximally, the opportunity to try a new type of prosthetic. But primarily, the research will concentrate on the processes behind using 3D scanning and printing.
Participants will attend the Ulster Hospital for their appointments, including scanning, measuring and assessments, but also for fitting and trial of the prosthesis.
Each participant will attend the department a maximum of 4 times, which includes a 3-month follow-up focus group meeting. They will have their hands scanned, measured and photographed. They will complete self-rated questionnaires, and some standardised and non-standardised assessments - mainly focused around hand function. At their 3-month follow-up they will be given the opportunity to appraise the prostheses.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0020
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion