Abstract: Objective　To explore the application effect and prospect of 3D printing protectors in the fixation of affected limbs after correction of thumb deformity in infants. Methods　Based on the need for fixation of thumb deformity in infants after operation， 3D printing technology was used to print the protective device and carry out clinical application and feedback. The children who underwent polydactyly correction in our department from September 2021 to February 2022 were selected. The patients from September 2021 to November 2021 were set as the control group（ n=15）， and the patients from December 2021 to February 2022 were set as the observation group （n=12）. The control group was treated with conventional external dressing and plaster support fixation after operation. The observation group was fixed with external dressing and 3D printing protectors. The postoperative wound healing， comfort and parents' satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results　The healing and functional recovery of the children in the two groups were good. The comfort degree of the fixation of the affected limbs and the satisfaction of the parents in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion　 The 3D printing protective device for the correction of polydactyly of thumb in infants is convenient to use and light in weight， which is helpful to fix the affected limb and improve the comfort of the fixation of the affected limb and parents' satisfaction. This 3D printing protective device is worth practicing and promoting in clinical practice.

Key words: 3D printing, 　Infant hand surgery, 　Protective device, 　Nursing