A growing number of researchers and manufacturers are turning to 3D design tools like CAD and 3D printers to accommodate the increasing complexity and highly customized nature of next-generation prosthetics.
Gone are the days when a prosthetic foot or brace is a one-size-fits-all design, forcing users to deal with a multitude of discomforts or contend with limited mobility in terms of range of motion. Today's prosthetic devices are highly customized and oftentimes micro-controlled pieces of equipment that account for everything from the wearer's unique measurements and body characteristics to the physics behind specific movements -- each a highly tailored recipe intended to deliver the best results.
Using PTC's Creo 3D design suite, College Park Industries developed iPecs (Intelligent Prosthetic EndoSkeletal Component System), a wireless, six degrees of freedom transducer that is specifically designed to measure amputee gait. (Source: College Park Industries)
The ability to produce these custom designs efficiently and economically is why we're seeing up uptick in the use of 3D CAD and simulation software along with 3D printers for a wide range of development efforts. Consider the case of College Park Industries, a maker of anatomically correct foot and ankle systems that are known for their unparalleled range of motion, which makes them a hot ticket for active amputees, including runners, climbers, even some of the athletes set to compete in the upcoming Paralympic Games to be held later this month and into September.
College Park's key differentiator is its iPecs (Intelligent Prosthetic EndoSkeletal Component System), a wireless, six degrees of freedom transducer that is specifically designed to measure amputee gait. Mounted directly inside the prosthesis, the device measures forces, movements, and acceleration of users as they perform routine tasks or partake in more strenuous activities. The idea behind iPecs is to allow researchers to collect data on the specific movements so they can make adjustments to the prosthetic design to allow for the gait alignment and range of motion that those of us without prosthetics take for granted.
"Engineers and designers want to have a better chance of hitting a design right where they want it, and historically, the best way to do that was get an amputee in a lab and do testing," Mike Leydet, director of research for College Park Industries, said in an interview. The problem with traditional methods is that they are more qualitative, not quantitative, Leydet said, prompting the company to set out to create a device that would help researchers and its own internal engineers capture data around things like load levels and gait to aid in the design of a better prosthetic.
Beth, this is a great story. With the advancement of electronics and design software, the missing piece was manufacturing. As another great example of the power of 3D printed objects this is very encouraging. After all, if you can make a receiver for a gun with 3D, you should be able to make good prosthetics.
Love that last point, Naperlou. Absolutely, 3D printing is advancing to cover all ends of the spectrum in terms of manufacturing. In terms of medical technologies, it's really had an impact even beyond the manufacture of custom prosthetics. Check out our slide show on 3D printing in the medical sector.
Nice story, Beth, especially the part about Emma's magic arms. That's an impressive example of the use of 3D printing. Were the magic arms an addition to her actually arms (as in joint replacement)?
Rob: Magic arms is actually just a pet name she gave to the prosthetic device that helps her now have control over her arms to do everyday things like play and feed herself. It is more of a term of endearment to show her enthusiasm for new mobility.
What I'm wondering, Beth, is whether the device is external support for her arms or whether it is a joint replacement/support that has been inserted within her arms.
Yes, I also agree. An inspiring story about Emma that really drives home the point on how technology breakthroughs can have such a positive impact on people's lives. Since the cost of 3D printing has come down so much, I imagine that new arms could also be printed again should the current ones wear out or become damaged.
What a wonderful story. If Oscar Pistorius' performance in the Olympics taught us anything, it's that prosthetic limbs needn't be a handicap. I really do believe that technology will eliminate all disabilities by the end of this century.
It's great to see these types of advances taking place. Just in the same way that high performance cars eventually see their developments embodied in the consumer versions - I hope that these techniques eventually become available to the average consumer. What a boon to veterans, the disabled and the aging.
With prices on 3D printers coming down and with materials and other related technologies vastly improving, I do think capabilities like these will become easier and more accessible to mainstream medical practices, aiding in their adoption.
@Greg: That's actually a point I didn't spend time on in the post, but a real lifesaver for Emma's parents. There is obviously wear and tear on the device, particularly as Emma gains in mobility. With the 3D printing approach, her parents can simply contact the research/medical team and explain what part is broken (take a picture if need be) and a replacement can be easily and cheaply produced. Minimal downtime, which is a great thing for Emma.
I imagine as a younger patient grows, the design could also be quickly scaled up little by little and printed again (to help save prosthetics fitting time too).
I can see that it would be great to work in this field. I have a 4 year old grandson born without one arm - not even a shoulder. I have wondered if it would be possible to fit him with a wrap-around vest that a prosthetic arm could be attached to. The hand on his one arm has only a thumb and two stubby half fingers. This handicap is apparently due to his arm and hand being pinched off during development by the amniotic membrane. He is a very happy child who doesn't yet recognize he is so different from others and he naturally uses his feet when one hand can't complete a task. He may never need a prosthetic to get through life, but it would be something worth checking into.
@kellerbl: It sounds like there will be some great opportunities for your grandson and isn't he lucky to have a granddad that is so up on the technology to pose some suggestions. The team that developed the WREX is Dr. Tariq Rahman and designer Whitney Sample--both from the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilimington, Del. (Don't know where your grandson is)
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
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