News | Wednesday, 16th December 2020

Customised 3D-printed grips to help people with arthritis use crutches more comfortably

PrintCity project will help those reliant on crutches but who struggle with their grip

A new 3D-printed device aims to make using crutches easier and more comfortable for people with arthritis in their hands and wrists, or other conditions which make gripping a crutch handle difficult.

Crutches can be uncomfortable to use, particularly for prolonged periods as they put pressure on the hands and require good upper body strength to use.

For many with arthritis, crutches can also be difficult to grip, making them not only uncomfortable, but also potentially hazardous to use.

That is why staff at Manchester Metropolitan University’s 3D additive manufacturing hub, PrintCity, have decided to pioneer a new, customised crutch grip, using 3D printing and a unique cushioning material.

The grip aims to make crutches not only more comfortable to hold, but also easier to grasp, as they will ensure the crutch handle fits the users hand profile perfectly.

Elen Parry, Manchester Metropolitan University PhD student and designer of the grip, said: “I was made aware that many people struggle to use crutches, especially those with additional needs such as people with arthritis.

“In knowing this, I saw an opportunity to utilise 3D printing to create a low-cost, functional accessory that could help make crutches more comfortable and improve an individual’s day-to-day experience using them.

“Often, mass produced products like the standard crutch are designed for the majority, often leaving people excluded.

“But developing digital technologies are starting to change this, making it possible to customise products with 3D scanners and printers.  

“We are already seeing big sporting companies introduce customised 3D-printed running shoes, with other examples of customised sporting equipment including custom bike frames and much more.

“By combining customisable components with standards products and devices, the scope for better performing products is possible.”

The team from PrintCity will use 3D laser scanning and fused filament fabrication – a type of additive manufacturing – to make the customised handle grips for crutch users.

To collect the hand profiles, affected crutch users were sent a hand grip kit by post.

The kit included biodegradable thermoplastic, which users were instructed to heat in hot water before placing over their crutch handle and gripping.

As the thermoplastic cools in the hand of the individual, it captures their personal grip profile, which can then be sent back to PrintCity  and scanned to create a digital version of the grip which when printed will be unique to the user and their crutch.

The grips are printed using an Ultimaker S5 3D printer in ColorFabb Varioshore – a soft, foam like material, ideal for providing cushioning between a hand and a crutch.

Elen said: “Varioshore is a really unique material which allows us to change density and performance of the grip by altering the temperature and speed of extrusion during 3D printing.

“It particularly appealed to us because it adds another layer of customisation – we saw the opportunity to make some parts of the device firmer than others, allowing extra support where necessary.”

PrintCity’s customised grip is currently a proof-of-concept, but plans are in motion to develop and roll out the product in the future.