Efficacy of 3D Printed Finger Prosthesis for patients affected with Hansen’s Disease to Restore Hand Function
Authors: - G.Suganya , - K.Kaji 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
The greek word LEPROSY was renamed by the term Hansen’s disease by Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen. In 2009, WHO Goodwill Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa called for an end to usage of the word leprosy, since he described it as ‘an extremely damaging term’ that contributes to stigma and impacts human rights. Since 2010, leprosy mission gives assurance that the word is not condoned by media channels or used by public figures. HD ranges from mild to severe (based on one or more skin areas affected and damage caused to organs).There were 5.2 million people affected by leprosy globally, in 1980 but by 2020 this decreased to fewer than 2,00,000. Leprosy can affect people in many ways. The Cochrane database of systemic reviews , 2019 lists that 30% of people affected with leprosy experience nerve damage. People with untreated leprosy become visibly disfigured often have psychologic and social problems. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary 2009 defines trophic ulcers as “a pressure ulcer caused by external trauma to a part of body or by vascular insufficiency leading to loss of afferent nerve fibres. The most severe complications result from infection of the peripheral nerves, which causes deterioration of sense of touch and inability to feel pain and temperature. The nerve damage is reversible when treated early, but becomes permanent when appropriate treatment is not available for sufferer. Damage to nerves may cause loss of muscle function, leading to paralysis. It may also lead to sensation abnormalities or numbness, which may lead to additional infections, ulcerations, and joint deformities. Also, damage to peripheral nerves may cause muscle weakness that can result in deformities. M. leprae attacks nerve endings and destroys the body's ability to feel pain and injury. Without feeling pain, people with leprosy have an increased risk of injuring themselves. In some cases, autoamputation has been reported to affect the tip of fingers. People with peripheral nerve damage may unknowingly burn, cut, or otherwise harm themselves. Infected nerves may enlarge also & this can be palpated. The fingers may be weakened, causing them to curve inward (claw hand).
When therapeutic amputation is decided for a patient affected with HD, occupational therapist can suggest preserving as much of hand as possible, to prepare wearing 3D printed prosthesis. 3-D printing is a new rising technology, Objects made in 3D printing range from plastic figurines and mould patterns to steel machine parts and titanium surgical implants. Related to Hansen Disease, It facilitates manufacturing hand parts with irregular and uncommon geometric shapes. Freedom offered by 3D printing techniques has paved the way for the application of new design for best appearances. The advantages of 3D printing could be used to fabricate prosthetic hands based on the biological design principles.
The purpose of this study is to assess efficacy of 3-D printed finger prosthesis to manipulate objects & to restore hand function in HD clients.