Developing 3D-Printed Wrist Splints for Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures: Correspondence

This is a correspondence on published article on “Developing 3D-Printed Wrist Splints for Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures.”[1] This work sheds light on the development of a personalized patient-specific anatomical support device (PSAB) for fracture therapy, leveraging innovations in additive printing. However, some limitations in the literature and technique require more evaluation. First, while the reported patient satisfaction score of 79% suggests broad acceptance, the subjective nature of comfort and satisfaction surveys may add bias. The study lacked a thorough qualitative analysis that looked into specific characteristics of discomfort or discontent, which is critical for enhancing PSAB design. Furthermore, a bigger and more diverse sample size would have enhanced the results' generalizability, as the study only included 10 healthy volunteers, who may not fully represent the broader patient group, which consists of persons with fractures.

This study offers insight on the development of a personalized PSAB for fracture therapy that takes advantage of additive printing advancements. However, some limitations in the literature and technique demand further investigation. First, while the claimed 79% patient satisfaction score indicates widespread acceptance, the subjective nature of comfort and satisfaction questionnaires may introduce bias. The study lacked a thorough qualitative analysis that examined specific aspects of discomfort or dissatisfaction, which is essential for improving PSAB design. Furthermore, a larger and more diverse sample size would have improved the generalizability of the findings, as the study only included 10 healthy volunteers, who may not adequately represent the broader patient population, which includes people with fractures.

Future directions of this research may involve the integration of dynamic monitoring technologies, such as implantable sensors or wearable devices, to provide real-time feedback on the performance of the splint and the patient's activity level. This approach will not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of the splint, but also allow for customization based on the patient's needs and treatment progress. In addition, considering a wider range of materials, including biocompatible or adaptive materials, may improve the comfort and effectiveness of PSABs. Finally, exploring the potential of machine learning algorithms to analyze patient feedback data may allow for iterative improvements in PSAB design based on the user experience. This data-driven approach will allow for the identification of common issues and the appropriate adjustment of the support device to suit different anatomical and functional needs, ultimately promoting innovation in fracture care and improving patient outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaborations between engineering, medicine, and user experience design will pave the way for more effective and personalized orthopaedic solutions.

Future directions for this research may include incorporating dynamic monitoring technology, such as implantable sensors or wearable devices, to provide real-time feedback on the splint's performance and the patient's activity level. This method not only provides a more thorough understanding of the splint's mechanical qualities, but it also allows for personalization based on the patient's needs and treatment progress. Furthermore, using a broader spectrum of materials, such as biocompatible or adaptive materials, may increase the comfort and effectiveness of PSABs. Finally, investigating the application of machine learning techniques to assess patient feedback data may enable iterative changes in PSAB design based on user experience. This data-driven approach will enable the detection of common difficulties and the appropriate customization of the support device to meet diverse anatomical and functional needs, ultimately encouraging innovation in fracture care and improving patient outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaborations in engineering, medicine, and user experience design will lead to more effective and tailored orthopaedic solutions.

Artificial Intelligence Declaration

The authors used artificial intelligence for language editing of the article.

Authors' Contribution

H.D. and V.W. both contributed equally to ideas, writing, analyzing, approval.

Publication History

Received: 19 September 2024

Accepted: 06 December 2024

Article published online:
12 February 2025

• Reference

• 1 Tobler-Ammann B, Schuind F, Voillat L. et al. Developing 3D-printed wrist splints for distal radius and scaphoid fractures. J Wrist Surg 2024; 13 (05) 390-397