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Transforming P & O Care with 3D Printing-More than Meets the Eye
J Andrysek1,2, S Ramdial3
1Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal
|June 14, 2024
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.
