A team of researchers conducted a scoping review about the use of 3D printing and scanning techniques in the fabrication of upper-limb prostheses. They documented the utilization and notable success of 3D printing and scanning techniques when making upper-limb prostheses and concluded that the technology shows promise by enabling rapid prototyping, which accelerates development and reduces costs.
The researchers analyzed 274 documents from journals, conferences, and gray literature both bibliometrically and qualitatively and found a broad interest in the topic, with many researchers using similar techniques to develop upper-limb prostheses.
Keyword co-occurrence analysis was performed and visualized with a network map, revealing clusters of related terms that represented the key areas of interest in the field. Four themes were identified: prosthesis design and evaluation for people; prosthesis control and sensing technologies; robotics and mechanical design; and accessibility for prostheses.
The team’s temporal analysis indicated a decrease in overall research activity, but a focus on fingers, advancements in control systems, and the growing use of 3D scanning continued.
