Multi-material design and 3D printing method of lower limb prosthetic sockets

Comotti, Claudio; Regazzoni, Daniele; Rizzi, Caterina; Vitali, Andrea

doi:10.1145/2838944.2838955

Cited by 26 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…On the contrary, the integration on and into the socket wall has the main disadvantage of requiring an ad hoc socket design, which involves a considerable amount of skilled prosthetist manual work, which is expensive and time consuming [12]. Reverse engineering, computer aided design (CAD/ CAM) and 3D printing techniques are beginning to be applied in the design and manufacturing of prosthetic sockets and could overcome these limitations [13][14][15][16][17][18]. However, further research is still required to improve the structural integrity of 3D printed sockets.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A personalised prosthetic liner with embedded sensor technology: a case study

et al. 2020

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Background Numerous sensing techniques have been investigated in an effort to monitor the main parameters influencing the residual limb/prosthesis interface, fundamental to the optimum design of prosthetic socket solutions. Sensing integration within sockets is notoriously complex and can cause user discomfort. A personalised prosthetic liner with embedded sensors could offer a solution. However, to allow for a functional and comfortable instrumented liner, highly customised designs are needed. The aim of this paper is to presents a novel approach to manufacture fully personalised liners using scanned three-dimensional image data of the patient’s residual limb, combined with designs that allow for sensor integration. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, a personalised liner with embedded temperature and humidity sensors was realised and tested on a transtibial amputee, presented here as a case study. Methods The residual limb of a below knee amputee was first scanned and a three-dimensional digital image created. The output was used to produce a personalised prosthesis. The liner was manufactured using a cryogenic Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining approach. This method enables fast, direct and precise manufacture of soft elastomer products. Twelve Hygrochron Data Loggers, able to measure both temperature and humidity, were embedded in specific liner locations, ensuring direct sensor-skin contact. The sensor locations were machined directly into the liner, during the manufacturing process. The sensors outputs were assessed on the below amputee who took part in the study, during resting (50 min) and walking activities (30 min). To better describe the relative thermal properties of new liner, the same tests were repeated with the amputee wearing his existing liner. Quantitative comparisons of the thermal properties of the new liner solution with that currently used in clinical practice are, therefore, reported. Results The liner machining process took approximately 4 h. Fifteen minutes after donning the prosthesis, the skin temperature reached a plateau. Physical activity rapidly increased residuum skin temperatures, while cessation of activity caused a moderate decrease. Humidity increased throughout the observation period. In addition, the new liner showed better thermal properties with respect to the current liner solution (4% reduction in skin temperature). Conclusions This work describes a personalised liner solution, with embedded temperature and humidity sensors, developed through an innovative approach. This new method allows for a range of sensors to be smoothly embedded into a liner, which is capable of measuring changes in intra-socket microclimate conditions, resulting in the design of advanced socket solutions personalised specifically for individual requirements. In future, this method will not only provide a personalised liner but will also enable dynamic assessment of how a residual limb behaves within the socket during daily activities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A personalised prosthetic liner with embedded sensor technology: a case study

et al. 2020

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“…This goes hand in hand with the capabilities of the AM technology because the type of material, deposition and curing process for each technology is different, resulting in printed models with very different attributes, such as strengths, compliance, weight, color, cost, speed of manufacturing and surface finish [5,8]. For example, in the printing of heart anomalies for surgical planning and implant design, powder binder jetting and FDM is the preferred choice due to faster printing times and lower running costs [5,17]. Powder binder jetting uses powder-based materials such as plaster and starch and FDM uses thermoplastic materials such as nylon and polycarbonate.…”

Section: Original Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a three-dimensional printed heart from computed tomography images of a plastinated specimen for learning anatomy

Radzi

Tan

et al. 2020

Anat Cell Biol

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Learning anatomy is commonly facilitated by use of cadavers, plastic models and more recently three-dimensional printed (3DP) anatomical models as they allow students to physically touch and hold the body segments. However, most existing models are limited to surface features of the specimen, with little opportunity to manipulate the structures. There is much interest in developing better 3DP models suitable for anatomy education. This study aims to determine the feasibility of developing a multi-material 3DP heart model, and to evaluate students' perceptions of the model. Semi-automated segmentation was performed on computed tomgoraphy plastinated heart images to develop its 3D digital heart model. Material jetting was used as part of the 3D printing process so that various colors and textures could be assigned to the individual segments of the model. Morphometric analysis was conducted to quantify the differences between the printed model and the plastinated heart. Medical students' opinions were sought using a 5-point Likert scale. The 3DP full heart was anatomically accurate, pliable and compressible to touch. The major vessels of the heart were color-coded for easy recognition. Morphometric analysis of the printed model was comparable with the plastinated heart. Students were positive about the quality of the model and the majority of them reported that the model was useful for their learning and that they would recommend their use for anatomical education. The successful feasibility study and students' positive views suggest that the development of multimaterial 3DP models is promising for medical education.

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“…Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies have been recently investigated as an alternative candidate to the traditional sockets manufacturing techniques [ 37 , 38 ]. The acquisition of the residual limb shape is done through a 3D laser scanner that produces digitizing data.…”

Section: The Evolution Of Transtibial Socket Designsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techniques for Interface Stress Measurements within Prosthetic Sockets of Transtibial Amputees: A Review of the Past 50 Years of Research

Al-Fakih

Osman

Adikan

2016

Sensors

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The distribution of interface stresses between the residual limb and prosthetic socket of a transtibial amputee has been considered as a direct indicator of the socket quality fit and comfort. Therefore, researchers have been very interested in quantifying these interface stresses in order to evaluate the extent of any potential damage caused by the socket to the residual limb tissues. During the past 50 years a variety of measurement techniques have been employed in an effort to identify sites of excessive stresses which may lead to skin breakdown, compare stress distributions in various socket designs, and evaluate interface cushioning and suspension systems, among others. The outcomes of such measurement techniques have contributed to improving the design and fitting of transtibial sockets. This article aims to review the operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages of conventional and emerging techniques used for interface stress measurements inside transtibial sockets. It also reviews and discusses the evolution of different socket concepts and interface stress investigations conducted in the past five decades, providing valuable insights into the latest trends in socket designs and the crucial considerations for effective stress measurement tools that lead to a functional prosthetic socket.

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Multi-material design and 3D printing method of lower limb prosthetic sockets

Cited by 26 publications

References 8 publications

A personalised prosthetic liner with embedded sensor technology: a case study

A personalised prosthetic liner with embedded sensor technology: a case study

Development of a three-dimensional printed heart from computed tomography images of a plastinated specimen for learning anatomy

Techniques for Interface Stress Measurements within Prosthetic Sockets of Transtibial Amputees: A Review of the Past 50 Years of Research

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