Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tse YH(1), Chan YK(1), Lau HY(1), Wong WM(1), Chow WK(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Amputees expect their custom-made prosthesis can regain mobility and have a cosmetic restoration to rebuild their self-esteem. Therefore, a suitable prosthetic socket and cosmetic prosthesis cover are major factors which influence patient satisfaction and compliance with prosthesis. However, the traditional laminated prosthetic socket and conventional foam cover have critical disadvantages: 1) high manpower is required for making a laminated prosthetic socket. 2) environmental pollution may potentially occur during the fabrication of traditional prosthetic socket. 3) conventional foam cover is easy to cause a hygienic problem. 4) material cost of conventional foam cover is nearly 70% higher than 3D printed cover. Therefore, 3D printing technology would be an alternative applied in lower limb prosthesis.
Objectives :
To apply 3D printing technology in 1) prosthetic socket for facilitating the effectiveness and pollution-control of fabrication process. 2) cosmetic prosthesis cover for improving the patients’ hygiene, appearance of symmetry and cost efficiency.
Methodology :
Patient data acquisition, including the contours of the sound side and prosthesis, started by using the MSoft BodyScan scanner. The scanned 3D models were then imported to Rodin4D Neo and Cube for design processes. After that, the prosthetic socket and prosthesis cosmetic cover could be 3D printed with polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament respectively.
Result & Outcome :
The application of 3D printing technology in lower limb prosthesis has been started since June 2022 in PWH. There were one transtibial prosthetic socket and twenty-six prosthesis cosmetic covers 3D printed. The prosthetic socket was printed with PLA 100% infill and 0.2mm layer height according to previous literatures. The patient reported that the 3D printed socket provided sufficient protection and containment of residual limb, a secure loading transmission and firm support. Besides, the majority of feedback from the patients, who tried 3D printed prosthesis cosmetic covers, is that the anatomical contour and appearance symmetry of the artificial limb are consistent and improved. Moreover, the amputees can maintain good prosthetic hygiene and have regular cleaning which benefits from the water resistance and slow degradation of TPU filament. Therefore, the application of 3D printing in prosthesis cosmetic covers brings an economic advantage to patients as well.
