Transforming P & O Care with 3D Printing-More than Meets the Eye

J Andrysek ^1,2, S Ramdial ³

⁰Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal +

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June 14, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

3D printing offers efficient, cost-effective prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) solutions, but challenges in materials, standards, and cost-effectiveness for larger devices limit widespread adoption. Continued innovation and collaboration are key to realizing its full potential in P&O care.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Healthcare Technology

Background

The prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) industry is increasingly adopting 3D printing for improved device fabrication and patient outcomes.
Digital workflows and 3D printing present advantages over traditional methods, including design complexity and reduced labor.

Purpose Of The Study

To explore the current state of 3D printing in P&O.
To identify key considerations for integrating 3D printing into mainstream P&O practices.
To examine technological, research, economic, funding, and clinical aspects of 3D printing adoption.

Main Methods

Literature review of recent publications.
Analysis of ongoing industry efforts in digital workflows and 3D printing implementation.
Examination of technological, research, economic, funding, and clinical perspectives.

Main Results

3D printing offers benefits like complex designs, part reproduction, and reduced labor.
Challenges include material limitations (strength, durability, thermoformability), cost-effectiveness for larger devices, lack of technical standards, and limited outcome data.
Current viability is higher for small or pediatric devices.

Conclusions

Despite challenges, significant industry enthusiasm exists for 3D printing in P&O.
Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for advancing 3D printing technology and its integration into P&O care.
3D printing has the potential to become central to mainstream P&O practices in the future.

Keywords:

3D Printing Additive Manufacturing Digital Workflows Fabrication Orthotics Prosthetics Scanning Socket