3D printing has become a ground-breaking technology in a number of fields in recent years, but its use in healthcare-especially in prosthetics-has been revolutionary. Conventional prosthetics can cause discomfort and restricted mobility because they are frequently costly, time-consuming to make, and may not fit properly. But the development of
3D printing has made it easier, quicker, and more affordable to make personalized prosthetics that are suited to the unique requirements of each person. This breakthrough marks a substantial advancement in individualized medical care as well as improving the quality of life for those who have lost a limb.
Because 3D printing significantly reduces production costs, the prosthetics industry has undergone a revolution. A lot of people in need cannot afford traditional prosthetic limbs because they are frequently thousands of dollars in price. On the other hand, depending on the materials needed, 3D-printed prosthetics can be created for a small fraction of the price, sometimes as low as a few hundred dollars. Because of their low cost, people in low-income areas who might not otherwise have access to these life-improving tools now have access to prosthetics.
The ability of 3D printing to provide highly customized solutions is a significant advantage in the prosthetics field. Because every person's body is different, traditional prosthetics frequently need several fittings and adjustments, which can be costly and time-consuming. Prosthetic designs can be readily altered using 3D printing to match a person's precise measurements, guaranteeing a more comfortable and beneficial fit. Beyond merely changing the prosthetic's size and shape, users can also add custom colors or designs to make the prosthetic feel more like a part of their own body and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, instead of taking weeks or months, the creation of a personalized prosthetic can now be completed quickly because of advancements in scanning technology, sometimes in just a few hours or days.
Prosthetics could benefit greatly from 3D printing in the future, but there are still certain obstacles to be solved. The longevity of the materials currently used in 3D printing is one of the main drawbacks. Although they work well for light to moderate use, more active people or those who require prosthetics for heavy lifting may find them to be not strong enough.The creation of stronger materials that can be 3D printed and satisfy the needs of various lifestyles is still being researched.
The field of prosthetics has changed as a result of 3D printing since it has made equipment more accessible, affordable, and customizable. Even though the materials and technologies available today have certain drawbacks, continuous development is opening the door to more robust and useful prosthetics. 3D-printed prosthetics have the potential to
dramatically improve people's quality of life all over the world as technology advances because they provide individualized solutions catered to the specific requirements of each user.
References
Erenstone, Jeffrey. “3D PRINTED PROSTHESES: THE PATH from HYPE to REALITY.” Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal, vol. 6, no. 2, 30 Dec. 2023, https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v6i2.42141. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
Zuniga, Jorge, et al. “Cyborg Beast: A Low-Cost 3d-Printed Prosthetic Hand for Children with Upper-Limb Differences.” BMC Research Notes, vol. 8, no. 1, 2015, p. 10, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-0971-9.
Vujaklija, Ivan, et al. “New Developments in Prosthetic Arm Systems.” Orthopedic Research and Reviews, vol. Volume 8, July 2016, pp. 31–39, www.dovepress.com/front_end/cr_data/cache/pdf/download_1602426284_5f8315ac528ff/ORR-71468-new-developments-in-prosthetic-arm-systems_070716.pdf, https://doi.org/10.2147/orr.s71468. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board