This paper presents the results of experiments conducted on a batch of additively manufactured customized prosthetic sockets for upper limbs, made of thermoplastics and designed automatically on the basis of a 3D-scanned limb of a 3-year-old patient. The aim of this work was to compare sockets made of two different materials—rigid PLA and elastic TPE. Two distinct socket designs with various mounting systems were prepared. To find a reliable set of parameters for cheap and stable manufacturing of usable prostheses using 3D printers, realizing the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, sets of sockets were manufactured with various process parameters. This paper presents the methodology of the design, the plan of the experiments and the obtained results in terms of process stability, fit and assessment by patient, as well as strength of the obtained sockets and their measured surface roughness. The results are promising, as most of the obtained products fulfil the strength criteria, although not all of them meet the fitting and use comfort criteria. As a result, recommendations of materials and process parameters were determined. These parameters were included in a prototype of the automated design and production system developed by the authors, and prostheses for several other patients were manufactured.

The methods of additive manufacturing of anatomical models are widely used in medical practice, including physician support, education and planning of treatment procedures. The aim of the review was to identify the area of additive manufacturing and the application of anatomical models, imitating both soft and hard tissue. The paper outlines the most commonly used methodologies, from medical imaging to obtaining a functional physical model. The materials used to imitate specific organs and tissues, and the related technologies used to produce, them are included. The study covers publications in English, published by the end of 2022 and included in the Scopus. The obtained results emphasise the growing popularity of the issue, especially in the areas related to the attempt to imitate soft tissues with the use of low-cost 3D printing and plastic casting techniques.

This paper presents the outcomes of investigations conducted on the development procedure of a personalized prosthetic device for an adult patient. The individualization is achieved through 3D scanning, followed by semi-automated design using the AutoMedPrint system, and low-cost fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology for 3D printing. The prosthesis is aimed for use during bicycle riding and other sport activities. During the conducted experiments outlined in this manuscript, the prosthesis is equipped with force and movement sensors. The purpose is to collect data on its functionality across different scenarios and dynamic activities, aiming to assess potential harm, refine the design, and serve as an initial step before activating the prosthesis end effector. This article describes the methodology in detail, including the process of designing, producing, and programming, as well as laboratory and field test results (including testing performed with and without a patient). Overall, the design and prototype are implemented successfully. A discussion about the need for particular improvements in both the mechanical and electrical areas is finally presented.

The article provides readers with a detailed overview of the AutoMedPrint technology, its advantages and opportunities, based on a number of studies and case examples. The AutoMedPrint system represents a significant advancement in the field of orthopedics, offering a comprehensive solution for...

Risk analysis of personalized medical devices, such as prostheses, is a challenging task due to the complexity of technological and geometrical issues. The paper undertakes a process of risk analysis for upper limb prostheses for adult patients, individualized by 3D scanning and produced by...

This paper presents results from experimental studies that assess the utilization of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR, AR, MR) at different stages of developing personalized 3D printed upper limb prostheses for adult patients. The prostheses are designed automatically using the AutoMedPrint system, leveraging 3D scans as described in various prior publications. Various stages of development of the prosthesis are made as applications of different extended reality technologies. An assembly instruction is implemented as an immersive VR application, a configurator is designed as AR application and a configurator and try-on application is prepared and deployed in MR. The applications are tested by an international group of experts during a scheduled experiment. The experts then participate to surveys and comparatively evaluate the potential of all the XR technologies. The paper presents the development of these applications, provides a detailed account of the experimental process, including the rankings of XR technologies for different applications throughout the lifecycle of a prosthetic device.