After obtaining feedback from patients and prosthetists on the feasibility and acceptability of using a completely digital prosthetic socket fabrication process (3D scanning, computer-assisted design, and 3D printing), a research team found that both groups were enthusiastic about digital fabrication and saw potential advantages over traditional methods. However, the groups had concerns about the durability, safety, and aesthetics of the 3D-printed sockets.
The researchers aimed to provide evidence and data about the effectiveness and quality of digitally designed 3D-printed lower-limb prosthetic sockets and the stakeholders’ experiences with the digital workflow.
The patient participants, in a rehabilitation setting for adults with transtibial limb amputations, were fitted with a prosthetic socket fabricated using digital shape capture with a 3D scanner, computer-assisted design, and 3D printing in addition to a traditionally handcasted, manually fabricated socket. Participants tried on and evaluated both sockets. Semistructured interviews took place after the fitting appointments. A focus group was conducted with prosthetists to obtain their feedback.
Eleven patient participants and three prosthetists identified four main themes: 1) openness and enthusiasm for digital prosthetic fabrication; 2) relative advantages of digital fabrication versus traditional socket fabrication; 3) readiness of the technology used for adoption in practice; and 4) digital prosthetic workflow and 3D printing implementation considerations.
The study, “A qualitative study on stakeholder perceptions of digital prosthetic socket fabrication for transtibial amputations,” was published in Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
