Project number
25013
Organization
UA College of Medicine
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
CTS affects 1% to 5% of adults globally (between 81 and 405 million people). It occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed and leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. CTS presents a significant challenge as there are currently no noninvasive technologies that specifically and quantifiably treat it.
This team aimed to relieve symptoms of CTS by designing a wearable brace that could apply 10 to 12 N of force to the carpal arch while stabilizing the thumb to prevent hand collapse. The design emphasizes simplicity, ergonomic comfort and affordability. It also accommodates a wide range of hand sizes and determines the applied force without user input.
The brace consists of a solid piece which wraps around the hand leaving a gap on the lateral side for the force applicator. This is a triangular structured force design. The end result of this project is the carpal arch space augmentation (CASA) wearable brace. It is constructed from 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane filament and a medical wrap and offers an effective and comfortable solution for alleviating the symptoms of CTS over an extended period of time.
This team aimed to relieve symptoms of CTS by designing a wearable brace that could apply 10 to 12 N of force to the carpal arch while stabilizing the thumb to prevent hand collapse. The design emphasizes simplicity, ergonomic comfort and affordability. It also accommodates a wide range of hand sizes and determines the applied force without user input.
The brace consists of a solid piece which wraps around the hand leaving a gap on the lateral side for the force applicator. This is a triangular structured force design. The end result of this project is the carpal arch space augmentation (CASA) wearable brace. It is constructed from 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane filament and a medical wrap and offers an effective and comfortable solution for alleviating the symptoms of CTS over an extended period of time.