Researchers conducted a systematic review to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical outcomes of 3D-printed prostheses for upper and lower limbs.
A search was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Sage). The research team included studies on 3D-printed prostheses in human rehabilitation that focused on the clinical outcomes of the device, while studies lacking clinical data, 3D printing details, or focusing on traditional manufacturing methods were excluded. Finally, the risk of bias was assessed using the modified Downs and Black Checklist.
A total of 1,420 studies were identified and 11 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies assessed 3D-printed prosthetic types and upper- and lower-limb prostheses. The main clinical outcomes analyzed were functional performance, design and material integrity, and overall effectiveness of 3D-printed prostheses. Studies on upper-limb prostheses reported improved dexterity, range of motion, and user satisfaction, despite some durability limitations, and lower-limb prostheses showed enhancements in comfort, gait parameters, and customization, particularly in amphibious and partial foot designs, the review concluded.
The researchers found that 3D-printed prostheses showed potential to improve functional performance, patient satisfaction, fit, and implementation feasibility compared to conventional methods. There were however, limitations, such as small sample sizes, variability in assessment tools, and limited high-quality evidence highlighting the need for further research to support broader clinical adoption, the review found.
The review, “The current state of 3D-printed prostheses clinical outcomes: A systematic review,” was published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials.
