PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Many within the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) industry are embracing 3D printing technology to produce better devices more efficiently, cost-effectively and to improve patient outcomes. 3D printing is here to stay, but how much will it transform P&O practices? This paper explores the state-of 3D printing technology as it applies to P&O and aims to highlight important considerations for bringing 3D printing into mainstream practice. The paper draws from recent published literature, as well as experiences stemming from ongoing efforts focused on implementing digital workflows and 3D printing into P&O care. The paper examines the topic from the technological, research, economics, funding, and clinical perspectives. While 3D printing and digital workflows have advantages over traditional methods (i.e. ability to design more complex parts, reprinting and reproduction of parts, less labour intensive) there are also challenges limiting adoption. First, despite recent advancements in 3D printing technology, gaps still exist in terms of the materials and processes. For example, cost-effectively fabricating devices that are concurrently strong and durable, allow for colourful designs, and are thermoformable are still being developed. Cost-wise, 3D printing may currently be more viable for small, or paediatric devices. There are also limited technical standards to ensure safe and durable devices are produced, as well as a lack of evidence and information about patient outcomes and operating costs. Nevertheless, a great amount of enthusiasm and momentum exists within the industry to innovate, and with it the potential for 3D printing to one day be central to mainstream P&O care. Given the many aspects of the P&O industry, collaboration and partnerships will facilitate learning from each other to advance and realize the potential of 3D printing sooner.
摘要：
假肢和矫形（P＆O）行业的许多人正在采用3D打印技术，以更有效地生产更好的设备。成本有效并改善患者预后。3D打印将继续存在，但是它将在多大程度上改变P＆O实践？本文探讨了3D打印技术应用于P＆O的状态，并旨在强调将3D打印纳入主流实践的重要考虑因素。这篇论文借鉴了最近发表的文献，以及来自持续努力的经验，专注于将数字工作流程和3D打印应用到P&O护理中。本文从技术、研究,经济学,资金,和临床观点。虽然3D打印和数字工作流比传统方法有优势（即能够设计更复杂的零件，零件的重印和复制，劳动密集型程度较低)也存在限制采用的挑战。首先,尽管3D打印技术最近取得了进步，在材料和工艺方面仍然存在差距。例如,成本有效地制造同时坚固耐用的器件，允许丰富多彩的设计，并且是热成型仍在开发中。成本方面，3D打印目前可能更适合小型或儿科设备。确保生产安全耐用的设备的技术标准也有限，以及缺乏有关患者预后和运营成本的证据和信息。然而，行业内存在大量的创新热情和动力，3D打印的潜力有朝一日成为主流P&O护理的核心。鉴于P&O行业的许多方面，合作和伙伴关系将促进相互学习，以更快地推进和实现3D打印的潜力。
