Group members: Kiara and Robert

Project: Hand grip for people with carpal tunnel syndrome

Paterson, A. et al. 2014. “Computer-aided design to support fabrication of wrist splints using 3D printing: a feasibility study,” Hand Therapy 19, no. 4, pp. 102 – 113. https://doi.org/10.1177/1758998314544802.

In this peer-reviewed journal article by Abby M. Paterson and multiple other scientists, the use of 3D printing to make wrist splints is examined and explored for its feasibility and effectiveness. Paterson specializes in computer aided design (CAD) in which she received her PhD for from Loughborough University. She teaches CAD and its applications in many settings at the University of Manchester. In this study, she is particularly looking at the application of 3D printing for wrist splints which would help people with carpal tunnel syndrome. This article provides logistical and technical information on the actual feasibility of 3D printing wrist splints. This will be used in our project to explain the actual possibility of mass producing this product and the barriers in technology in doing this.

Manente, G. et al. 2001. “An Innovative Hand Brace for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Muscle & Nerve 24,  no. 8, 1020-1025. https://doi-org.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/10.1002/mus.1105.

Gabriele Manente works in the Center for Neuromuscular Disease at the University “G. d’Annunzio” in Chieti, Italy. He holds the patent for a new design of a more effective hand brace to help those with carpal tunnel syndrome. In the article, it evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of this new brace. They go through the design of the brace, the study design, method, and results. They conclude that the new brace does show high success in proving functional. We would use this to support the need and promise in making a 3D printed hand grip for those with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nagourney, Eric. 1999. “Common but Confusing: Workers’ Wrist Ailments,” New York Times online, https://nyti.ms/2A11mDQ.

Eric Nagourney is a writer at the New York Times. In this article, he discusses the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and how it is difficult to diagnose. He references a study done in Sweden that sent out questionnaires to 3,000 people asking about symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Surprisingly, many replied that they did experience these symptoms. We would use this article to back up the need for this innovation as it affects many people.