3D Printing and Prosthetics

     3D printing has been utilized by various industries, however its functionality in healthcare is literally life changing. Every year in the United States, there are 50,000 new amputates which has increased demand for prosthetics. While there are many high-tech prosthetics available in the market, most of them are expensive, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $50,000.

     How can a healthcare system find ways to deliver cheaper and accessible prosthetics? 3D printing, or 3DP for short, can solve both of these problems. There have been multiple attempts from engineers and enthusiasts to delve into 3DP for prosthetics, specifically by engineers at Carleton University. They have created individual finger control devises for a price tag of under $400.

     The whole process starts with a design, which can be outlined using a second existing limb. Engineers use a camera to take pictures of the limb and transfer them into 3DP design software, such as Autodesk 123D (link to: http://www.123dapp.com/catch), and then parts can be 3D printed as needed. This exactly what Bilal Ghalib, a tech enthusiast, did. Mr. Ghalib scanned his cousin’s amputeed leg while on a visit home to Iraq. With the help of his employer, Autodesk’s, basic software, Mr. Ghalib was able to recreate the leg.

     So far, there are two primary uses of 3D printers in prosthetics: the first is creating parts for prosthetics and then embedding the necessary electronic circuits. Liam, a five-year-old boy living in South Africa, illustrates an interesting example of a 3D-printed prosthetic application developed for a real patient, outside of a lab. Liam suffers from Amniotic Band Syndrome, which created constriction in the bones of his right hand before birth. Two engineers created an invention called Robohand, which basically custom fits mechanical fingers and hands using 3DP technology. The team helped Liam by creating motorized fingers for him at a reasonable price; Liam now uses the 3DP fingers to write, play, and brush his teeth.

     The second main application of 3DP technology to the prosthetics industry is using a 3D printer to customize designs for fairings, which are custom panels to encase prosthetic limbs. Fairings help create symmetry between prosthetic limbs and are unique for each individual.

     A company called Bespoke is creating customized fairings using 3DP. The President of the group, Scott Summit, spoke about his 3DP fairings in a TED Talk. Mr. Summit mentions “…that with creating symmetry between the limbs, the memory of the cells is created.” Simply said, the body remembers its former shape and thus has more control over its movements.

While prosthetic technology is improving, currently, prosthetic are not 100% 3D-printable. For example, they still require electronic circuits to be installed. Recently, news of a fully operational, printed 3DP gun is increasing the probability of prosthetics being fully printable soon.

An interesting trend for 3D printing prosthetics is the use of ICT, or information and communications technology. Designs are now circulated online for free by open-source and resource-sharing websites.

     For example, the design pictured here on the right can print two prosthetics hands, one right and one left. This enables 3DP technology to reach more people as well as other designers that have the ability to enhance or alter the primary model.

     3DP increases and promotes access to remote areas. As long as you have a 3D printer and an internet connection, you can download the prosthetic part you need. This will be extremely beneficial in the future when access to adequate doctors may become increasingly limited. It will be a part of the telemedicine industry, where consultations can be sent virtually to doctors, who can assess the situation, make recommendations, and finally, design the best treatment.

     Additionally, 3DP makes creating complex designs easier to accomplish for engineers and designers, especially when the core of the device is challenging to manufacture. 3DP will open doors for designer creativity to solve problems such as the challenges involved with prosthetics in a much easier way. 

     A team of engineers who wanted to raise money to start a 3DP prosthetics business held a Kickstarter campaign recently. Kickstarter is a website used to raise funds for innovative creations, designs, or inventions as start-up businesses. Previously, the engineers created solid prototypes for their ideas but are now focused on making designs more functional.

     3D printing for prosthetics is a promising market that will serve a niche of untapped users and markets. The combination of medicine, technology, and communication will enhance the livelihood for a lot of people. One day, an amputee living in a remote area, with the assistance of his phone camera, will be able to send pictures to doctors halfway around the globe and doctors and prosthetasists will design the best fit for their patients.
 
     A patient with access to a 3D printer will be able to receive a custom-made prosthetic in a short time at reasonable cost.