3D Printing and Clinical Prosthetics
Joseph Brenner
Description
Collection
Title:
3D Printing and Clinical Prosthetics
Creator:
Joseph Brenner
Date:
6/19/2014
Text:
With all the buzz about 3D Printing and it's entrée into prosthetics it's been a bit of a hot topic within our field. A lot of the technology is open source with companies like Robohand and crowd source Google+ groups like E-Nable offering shareable files for the DIY individual or a hands-on parent willing to tinker with assembling these devices for their affected child. While the prostheses that are being created in this manner may not conform to our profession's expectation of the conventional approach there's no doubt that these designs have merit both in design potential and cost savings. That said, it was recently brought to my attention that third party payers are beginning to take a closer look into the technology for it's cost saving appeal. Whether you are using the technology now or not, it's on it's way into the medical field in a big way for a number of reasons.
Taking that into consideration, I'm curious who is actually using 3D Printing, in O&P, within their facility for clinical applications. What types of printers and materials (ABS, PLA, flexible filaments, dissolvable filaments) they're utilizing and what they're using them for (i.e. rapid prototyping componentry - liners/terminal devices/knees, test socket fabrication, definitive socket fabrication, etc.). I'm aware of the companies making 3D printed cosmetic fairings but I'm more interested in the clinical applications that are being explored. I've heard of several program sites that have a printer on hand but I have yet to hear what applications are being attempted and what the outcomes have been therein. I'm also curious if there is anyone researching functionality from a therapeutic perspective, of an industry standard type upper limb prosthesis, be it electronic or body powered, in comparison to the current 3D printed devices available whether electronic or body powered. Your insight would be appreciated and thanks in advance!
Best Regards ,
Joseph Brenner, C.P., FAAOP
Director of Clinical Prosthetics
Michigan Institute for Electronic Limb Development - A Hanger Clinic
32975 West Eight Mile
Livonia, MI 48152(248) 615-0600 Off.
(248) 615-0606 Fax
Taking that into consideration, I'm curious who is actually using 3D Printing, in O&P, within their facility for clinical applications. What types of printers and materials (ABS, PLA, flexible filaments, dissolvable filaments) they're utilizing and what they're using them for (i.e. rapid prototyping componentry - liners/terminal devices/knees, test socket fabrication, definitive socket fabrication, etc.). I'm aware of the companies making 3D printed cosmetic fairings but I'm more interested in the clinical applications that are being explored. I've heard of several program sites that have a printer on hand but I have yet to hear what applications are being attempted and what the outcomes have been therein. I'm also curious if there is anyone researching functionality from a therapeutic perspective, of an industry standard type upper limb prosthesis, be it electronic or body powered, in comparison to the current 3D printed devices available whether electronic or body powered. Your insight would be appreciated and thanks in advance!
Best Regards ,
Joseph Brenner, C.P., FAAOP
Director of Clinical Prosthetics
Michigan Institute for Electronic Limb Development - A Hanger Clinic
32975 West Eight Mile
Livonia, MI 48152(248) 615-0600 Off.
(248) 615-0606 Fax
Citation
Joseph Brenner, “3D Printing and Clinical Prosthetics,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/236329.
