Author/Authors :
Liacouras, Peter C. Department of Radiology - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - Bethesda - MD, USA , Ho, Vincent B. Department of Radiology - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - Bethesda - MD, USA , Lichtenberger III, John P. Department of Radiology - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - Bethesda - MD, USA , Beachler, Mark D. Orthotic & Prosthetic Service - Department of Rehabilitation - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda - MD, USA , Sleeman, Todd Orthotic & Prosthetic Service - Department of Rehabilitation - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda - MD, USA , Sahajwalla, Divya Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine - Richmond - VA , USA
Abstract :
The prosthetic devices the military uses to restore function and mobility to our wounded warriors are
highly advanced, and in many instances not publically available. There is considerable research aimed at this population
of young patients who are extremely active and desire to take part in numerous complex activities. While prosthetists
design and manufacture numerous devices with standard materials and limb assemblies, patients often require
individualized prosthetic design and/or modifications to enable them to participate fully in complex activities.
Methods: Prosthetists and engineers perform research and implement digitally designs in collaboration to generate
equipment for their patient’s rehabilitation needs. 3D printing allows for these devices to be manufactured from an
array of materials ranging from plastic to titanium alloy. Many designs require form fitting to a prosthetic socket or a
complex surface geometry. Specialty items can be scanned using computed tomography and digitally reconstructed to
produce a virtual 3D model the engineer can use to design the necessary features of the desired prosthetic, device, or
attachment. Completed devices are tested for fit and function.
Results: Numerous custom prostheses and attachments have been successfully translated from the research domain to
clinical reality, in particular, those that feature the use of computed tomography (CT) reconstructions. The purpose of
this project is to describe the research pathways to implementation for the following clinical designs: sets of bilateral
hockey skates; custom weightlifting prosthetic hands; and a wine glass holder.
Conclusion: This article will demonstrate how to incorporate CT imaging and 3D printing in the design and
manufacturing process of custom attachments and assistive technology devices. Even though some of these prosthesis
attachments may be relatively simple in design to an engineer, they have an enormous impact on the lives of our
wounded warriors.
Keywords :
Rehabilitation , 3D printing , Computed tomography , Prosthetics , Additive manufacturing