A research team conducted a study of perceptions and experiences with digital technology for prosthetic socket manufacturing from the perspective of prosthesis users. The study found that digital technology methods were acceptable and feasible from a patient perspective, although technological advancements are still required, and real-time communication about the process may be vital for ensuring patient engagement.
Nine lower-limb prosthesis users (mean age 56; five female; four male) participated in one-on-one semistructured telephone interviews with the researchers who performed inductive thematic analysis to identify a codebook and emerging themes from the interview transcripts. They identified two major themes: expectations and prioritization of 3D-printed socket usability and facilitators and barriers to uptake of digital technology among patients.
The authors suggested that consideration of the findings may improve patient satisfaction to emerging prosthesis treatment plans and ultimately support widespread adoption of digital technology as an additional tool for fabricating prosthetic sockets.
The study, “User perspectives of digital manufacturing for lower-limb prosthetic sockets,” was published in Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
