Page 529 - IJB-10-2

International Journal of Bioprinting 3D printing of custom mallet splints

Figure 1. Points of measurement for injured finger. Original picture based on Wong. 18

An HCP (nurse, advanced nurse practitioner, or doctor)
was also present to ensure the finger was kept straight to
avoid re-injury.
2.4.3. Fitting (t = 9 days)
A 3D-printed splint was manufactured using the
measurements of the patient’s finger. The splint was
delivered and fitted to the patient in the hospital. An HCP
oversaw the fitting to evaluate the injured finger for skin
integrity or other complications that could preclude the
patient from further participation in the study.
2.4.4. Mid-trial review (t = 21 days)
A consultant in emergency medicine reviewed each patient
Figure 2. Image of custom 3D-printed splint. after wearing the 3D-printed splint for 21 days to evaluate
skin integrity and general progress. If any concerns were
advice was the same for the Stack splint and the 3D-printed noted regarding compliance or comfort, the patient was
splint. changed to an alternative treatment method and removed
from the study.
2.4.2. Measuring (t = 7 days)
Each measuring appointment was conducted with a single 2.4.5. Final review (t = 56 days)
member of the research team (A.O.’S) to control for inter- A final review appointment including an interview was
individual differences in measurement skills or approaches. conducted at 56 days by an OT with expertise in the

Table 1. Patient appointments and study stages
Initial presentation Measuring Fitting Midtrial review Final review
(day 0) (day 7) (day 9) (day 21) (day 56)
Patient presented to Finger measured 3D-printed splint fitted Review by consultant in Final interviews with
hospital. Standard treatment emergency medicine (skin, researcher and OT
commenced pain, progress)

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 521 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1963