3D Printing of Low-cost Orthotics and Assistive Devices for Disabled Children

Abstract

Background:3D printing allows the creation of a three-dimensional object that translates a virtual 3D computer model into a usable product. The process allows individualization of adaptive components providing an opportunity to meet the needs of a child with limited motor abilities.

An 11 year old male who displayed decerebrate posturing at rest, communicated through eye blinks and was able to initiate random movement of all extremities. Limiting motor control problems included lack of trunk and head control; inability to grasp the handlebars; inability to sustain foot placement on the pedals and inability to maintain appropriate alignment of the lower extremities to pedal the tricycle. An IPad camera was used to record the body parts.123 Catch software was used to process the collected photographs into a digital image. Blender 3D modeling software was used to create a polygon mesh to define the shape of a virtual 3D object. The naturalistic 3D scans were combined with geometric 3D modeling to create assistive devices that became an interface between the human body and the tricycle. A MakerBot Replicator 2 printer printed stereo lithography files.

The final versions of the printed devices, two hand holds and two pedal boots, allowed the child to maintain a neutral hand position and appropriate foot and lower leg alignment. A 5 gallon bucket was fitted to provide trunk and head support. By locking the front fork to limit need for steering, once positioned the child was able to pedal his tricycle without assistance for 50 feet.