Prosthetic sockets fabrication using rapid prototyping technology

Abstract

The traditional way of making a prosthetic socket is by draping a heated thermoplastic sheet over the positive mould, or by applying layers of woven materials together with acrylic resins over the positive mould. This process is extremely labour intensive, and it usually takes two to three days to make one socket. This paper presents the development of a prosthetics Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAM) system that utilises Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology. The system reduces the socket making time from days to less than 4 h. Clinical and biomechanical studies are conducted to evaluate the comfort and fit of the new socket during gait. Preliminary investigation of the new socket shows that its functional characteristics are very similar to that of a traditional socket.