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Orthotics and prosthetics by 3D-printing: Accelerating its fabrication flow.
Rosa Mendaza-DeCal1, Salvador Peso-Fernandez2, Jesus Rodriguez-Quiros3
1Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta del Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; ABAX Innovation Technologies, C/ Navarra 26, 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain.
Research in Veterinary Science
|July 22, 2023
Summary
This study explored 3D printing for veterinary orthoses and prostheses, finding orthoses well-tolerated. Socket prostheses showed mixed results in dogs but excellent adaptation in a calf.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopaedics
- Biomedical Engineering
- 3D Printing Applications
Background:
- Orthoses and socket prostheses are underutilized in veterinary medicine.
- Pet owners increasingly seek advanced treatments for animal orthopaedic conditions.
- High costs and limited evidence hinder veterinary adoption of custom orthopaedic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of 3D scanning and printing for custom veterinary orthoses and prostheses.
- To address economic barriers and improve knowledge of device outcomes.
- To assess the adaptation and tolerance of 3D-printed devices in animal patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D scanning and fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing.
- Manufactured custom orthoses and socket prostheses for nine dogs and one calf.
- Developed a resizing equation and novel adaptation assessment scales.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed orthoses demonstrated good tolerance and straightforward adaptation.
- Socket prostheses were tolerated, but adaptation was suboptimal in dogs.
- The calf exhibited excellent and immediate adaptation to its socket prosthesis.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing offers a viable method for creating veterinary orthoses and prostheses.
- Custom 3D-printed orthoses are well-tolerated and easily adapted by animals.
- Further research is needed to optimize socket prosthesis design for canine patients.
