PC3005: Creating a Streamlined Process for the Building of Myoelectric Pediatric Prostheses

Purpose/Objectives: The CDC estimates that each year, one in every 1900 babies are born with a limb reduction deficit in the United States, and even more children present to emergency rooms each year needing limb amputations. Pediatric prosthetics are vital for a child’s livelihood, and contribute to typical functional development, considering the psychosocial and emotional impact that limb handicaps can have on proper growth. Conventional options for prostheses through biomedical companies are inaccessible to many patients due to high cost and long manufacturing time, as well as the need for constant re-sizing as the child grows, resulting in the need for multiple prostheses over time. In an attempt to create more accessible prosthetic options, open-source 3D printed designs become available for anyone with 3D printing access through websites such as E-Nable. However, most of these simple body powered designs lack the functionality of high-cost prostheses. 3D printed myoelectric arms have the potential to offer higher functionality while maintaining cost effectiveness, but these designs require a degree of technical skill, thereby offering limited access when compared to simpler designs. Our goal was to create a myoelectric arm using existing designs while closely documenting steps and compiling a comprehensive step-by-step guide so that other groups without technical backgrounds can easily create myoelectric arms.

Design/Methods: The El Medallo myoelectric prosthesis available on the E-Nable website was manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, utilizing 3-D printing, circuitry, and programming. Functionality testing will be based on the following metrics: ability to grasp small, medium, and large objects, ease of use, comfort, and cosmetics in comparison with wrist-actuated designs. The entire assembly process was documented for the compiling of the final assembly guide.

Results: Calibrated circuitry has provided biometric data output that demonstrates initial functionality of the open-source design [Figure 1,2]. Myoelectric sensors can detect movement and can even differentiate individual muscle use, and further calibration will produce full motor-driven contraction of the prosthesis. The creation of this product has been well documented to ensure streamlined productivity and accessibility for future projects.

Conclusion/Discussion: This project demonstrates feasibility of design of myoelectric upper limb prostheses and increases pediatric prosthesis accessibility by simplifying and organizing instructional materials for future production of these arms.