Prosthesis Fitting and Fabrication Using 3D Scanning & 3D Printing

Socket fitting for prosthesis fabrication is an iterative and tedious process that often requires multiple return visits for the patient to a prosthetist. Existing, time-consuming plastering techniques cause significant inconvenience during the process of socket adjustment and replacement for both the prosthetists and patient.

This project employs a user-centred design process to innovate the process of prosthesis fabrication using 3D scanning and printing technologies. Together with professional hospital staff, we leverage and evaluate these emerging technologies to reduce the time taken to complete a prosthesis, minimise the number of patient consultations, and add flexibility to consultation locations to enhance patient care.

Using a 3D Scanner (left: Artec Space Spider) to create a 3D model of the residual limb; design of a check socket (center images) and 3D-print of mold (right) for the final lamination process.