Using 3D printers to help build prosthetic sockets

For amputees, sockets are a critical part of any prosthesis. Our St. John’s Rehab team is studying the use of 3D printers to help build these sockets. Compared to traditional manual casting, it could be a faster and easier method for some patients.

[peterwolfshaar]

hello i see that i am 4 years later seeing this clip, but how are you 3d prosthesis now days ? i am a student in the prosthesis.

[furkanozer]

Hello, what is the thickness of the socket and what material did you use in the socket filament? Congratulations

[curtleygeorge]

Hello im from South Africa . Im a orthopeadic technician looking for a job abroad. Can you point me in the right direction.

[theanosinski]

All for 3D printing but that printer produced very very disappointing results. The print quality is horrible compared to other consumer grade printers.

[KelvT]

the curvature of the stump cannot be seen by the scanner after putting on the liner. It is damn stupid to use the 3D scanning for prosthetic leg fabrication. The casting have to be done manually and putting pressure because the stump has to bear the weight of human. The shape of the stump will change and it is different while bearing weight of body comparing the stump is not bearing body weight.

[ruygutierrez]

The patient was complaining about his socket taking a week to fabricate?, try 2 months and counting for me! And that is just the gel liner, which will not be ready until March 7th then a cast will be made so that the socket can be manufactured! By the time this is all done, my residual limb will already have changed in volume, so most likely will have to be modified once more. It is so primitive a process that makes one want to cry in despair!

[Fiberthree_com]

are you still working on that project?

[merchination]

they have no idea how to use that 3d printer thats just the doctors using it and the filament extruder was not calibrated correctly as you can see it dipping into the plastic while printing and the gaps in the print surface show warpage and is not climate controlled properly. 3d printing can be the best possible option for not only prosthetics but robotic replacement parts. You just need someone that know what they are doing designing and making them, its an engineering art and can be the future of prosthetics, robotics and maybe even cybernetic enhancements.

[lostintime]

My socket sucks. Junk!! And no one will help.

[theothertroll]

Yea, bad application and piss poor use, of a3D printer - but it’s a start - might get better, but for now the traditional casting methods are light years beyond any 3D printing aided method 😬