Journal of Prosthetics Orthotics and Science Technology (JPOST)
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Prosthetics Orthotics and Science Technology (JPOST)

3D Printed Wrist Splint for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a Cigarette-Rolling Worker at RSUD Sumberglagah: A Case Study

Gatot Sunarto (Universitas Strada Indonesia Kediri)
Ellysa Okky Gusma (STIKES Bethesda Yakkum Yogyakarta)
dea Septianiputri (RSUD Sumberglagah Provinsi Jawa Timur)
Rahmat Apriyanto (RSUD Sumberglagah Provinsi Jawa Timur)
Riska Permatasari (RSUD Sumberglagah Provinsi Jawa Timur)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent entrapment neuropathy among manual workers performing repetitive wrist loading and sustained precision grip. Cigarette-rolling workers face elevated risk due to prolonged wrist flexion and repetitive pinch activity. Despite the efficacy of wrist orthoses, conventional devices often provide suboptimal anatomical conformity and restrict occupational hand function. Three-dimensional printing enables patient-specific fabrication at low cost, yet clinical evidence in occupational rehabilitation remains limited. Aims: This study evaluated the fabrication workflow and clinical outcomes of a customized 3D-printed CTS wrist splint in a cigarette-rolling worker, focusing on efficiency, anatomical fit, cost, and functional performance. Methods: A single-case study design was employed consistent with established methodology for novel clinical workflow documentation, to evaluate practicability rather than population-level efficacy. The participant was a 38-year-old female with mild-to-moderate right-hand CTS. A CAD-designed PLA+ orthosis was fabricated via FDM 3D printing and hot-water thermoforming. Primary outcomes wrist posture, pain, fatigue, endurance, and comfort were assessed at baseline, post-fitting, Day 7, and Day 14 via structured observation and KPOP Plus telemonitoring. Results: Digital fabrication required 384 minutes and 60.31 g of PLA+ at a material cost of IDR 16,200. Wrist posture improved to near-neutral alignment, while pain, fatigue, and endurance improved without skin complications. Telemonitoring confirmed sustained symptom relief and device comfort through Day 14. Conclusion: Digitally fabricated 3D-printed wrist orthoses were feasible, clinically beneficial, and cost-effective for occupational CTS management. This case demonstrates an integrated workflow combining CAD design, FDM printing, thermoforming, and telemonitoring. Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Digital fabrication; 3D printing; Wrist orthosis; Occupational health

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

OP

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Materials Science & Nanotechnology Nursing Public Health

Description

JPOST covers content topics of scientific knowledge which are relevant to physical rehabilitation and development within the scopes of the contexts listed below: -Prosthetics Orthotics (PO) -Rehabilitation Technology -Physical Disability -Ergonomics -Assistive Devices -Biomedical Engineering ...