ABSTRACT
Introduction
Traditional methods of prosthesis fabrication are not efficient and user centric and are made for common purposes without focusing on individual demands of user which leads to rejection of prosthesis for long-term use. Utilizing advanced additive manufacturing techniques for fabrication of prosthesis makes the development process user centric and covers all the user demands thus providing better fit, comfort, and more stable gait rehabilitation for the user.
Areas covered
The articles reporting fabrication of lower limb prosthesis and its socket are included in the study. Standard fabrication and additive manufacturing method are both systematically assessed by the reviewers. The review also covers the advanced methods of additive manufacturing that are presently being used for fabrication of rehabilitation devices.
Expert opinion
Additive manufacturing method of fabrication of prosthesis provides more flexibility for manufacturing prosthesis parts as per demand of the user. The fabrication method takes into account the residual limb and thus makes the prosthesis user-specific providing better comfort and fit.
Article highlights
Present method of fabrication of prosthesis is not optimal.
Additive manufacturing presents a technique to develop prosthesis that provides better fit for its user.
Very few existing literatures focus on the usage of additive manufacturing for fabrication of lower limb prosthesis.
Additive manufacturing processes and their use for fabrication of lower limb sockets, above knee and below knee prosthesis are summarized.
List of Abbreviations
AK Above Knee
BK Below Knee
FDM Fused Deposition Modeling
AM Additive Manufacturing
PP Polyjet Printing
FEM/A Finite Element Method/Analysis
ESAR Energy Storing and Return
3D Three-Dimensional
SLA Stereolithography
PLA Poly (Lactic Acid)
PCL Poly (caprolactone)
SLS Selective Laser Sintering
TTA Transtibial Amputation
TFA Transfemoral Amputation
Reviewers Disclosure
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.