{"id":23131,"date":"2017-11-15T00:22:21","date_gmt":"2017-11-15T05:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/limb-itless-solutions-with-3d-printability-an-example-of-an-additive-printing-breakthrough-in-prosthetic-limb-production-supply-cha"},"modified":"2017-11-15T00:22:21","modified_gmt":"2017-11-15T05:22:21","slug":"limb-itless-solutions-with-3d-printability-an-example-of-an-additive-manufacturing-breakthrough-in-the-prosthetic-limb-production-supply-chain","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/limb-itless-solutions-with-3d-printability-an-example-of-an-additive-manufacturing-breakthrough-in-the-prosthetic-limb-production-supply-chain\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cLimb\u201d-itless Solutions with 3D PrintAbility: An Example of an Additive Manufacturing Breakthrough in the Prosthetic Limb Production Supply Chain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Benefits of Additive Manufacturing to NIA Tech and the Prosthetic Limb Industry<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It is estimated that as many as 30 million people around the world suffer from lack of or damage to one or multiple limbs resulting in required use of prosthetic limbs, braces, or mobility devices. Unfortunately, it\u2019s also estimated that less than 20% of patients have access to these types of devices [1]. This lack of access is especially devastating in developing countries where mobility limitations affect access to education and employment [5].<\/p>\n

Historically, producing prosthetic limbs necessary to improve quality of life has been an expensive and labor-intensive process. Problems around cost and production complexities are amplified when the patients are children or people living in developing countries due to the customized nature of prosthetics which are specially made for patients keeping in mind a variety of measurements, the patient\u2019s weight, intended activities, etc. [3]. Since children are still growing, they\u2019ll need several iterations of prosthetic limbs as they age [8]. Additionally, in developing countries there is an estimated shortage of approximately 40,000 trained prosthetists (the people who measure, design, fabricate, fit, and service prosthesis) [1]. Access to prosthetics is lacking due to these high production costs, complex production processes, and shortage of trained prosthetists.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Prior to the use of additive manufacturing (AKA 3D printing), prosthetic limbs were made through a variety of labor intensive steps. Measurements would be taken and a plaster cast would be created of the anatomy that was to be fitted with the prosthetic. Plastic would be heated and vacuum formed to the mold to create a socket. The other portions of the prosthetic would be made from different materials such as plastic, titanium, and wood through processes such as injection molding, extruding, die-casting, planning, sawing, and drilling [4]. All the pieces would then be assembled using a variety of methods including bolts, adhesives, and laminating. The process could take up to 2 weeks to deliver and could cost upwards of $30,000 depending on the prosthetic [2,5].<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>3D PrintAbility is a digital toolchain that was designed by NIA Tech to increase access to mobility devices such as prosthetics in developing countries by providing new technology to empower local healthcare technicians. 3D PrintAbility mimics the traditional manual production process in a digital environment. Instead of utilizing a plaster cast, it uses a scanner to capture the external shape of the limb. Instead of modifying the prosthetic device by adding or subtracting in plaster, it uses 3D modelling software to add or subtract material. Instead of physically wrapping the cast in plastic, it wraps the device digitally to create a 3D model which is then produced using additive manufacturing [5]. This method is faster, cheaper, and more efficient than traditional production techniques and has the potential to increase access of prosthetics to people in developing countries. With new additive manufacturing capabilities, the production can be completed in a matter of hours and the cost can be lowered to under $100 [2,5].<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Short Term and Medium Term Goals<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

NIA Tech recently conducted a 6-month trial utilizing 3D PrintAbility to produce prosthetics for a small group of children from Uganda to prove feasibility. Now they’re completing field testing with clinical partners in Cambodia, Tanzania, and Uganda. NIA Tech is looking to deploy their technology to early adopters in the short term. NIA Tech\u2019s medium term goal is to use their technology to fit 8,000 people with additive manufactured mobility devices within five years, across approximately 20 sites in developing countries, training the local healthcare technicians along the way [1].<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Recommendations for Short Term and Medium Term<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the short term NIA Tech should really makes sure to listen to the local technicians as they continue to test and roll out the use of 3D PrintAbility technology in the developing country healthcare space. The success of the product and mission depend heavily on technicians being able to effectively utilize the technology. It\u2019s always important to get suggestions from the frontline during projects like this as well as get buy in. Suggestions and learnings can be used to improve the product and training procedures prior to moving on to new locations.<\/p>\n

In the medium term NIA Tech should consider looking into utilizing some alternative materials moving forward. Additive printing technology is available in a wide variety of plastic, rubber, and even metal materials currently which may prove beneficial for certain applications (due to environmental challenges or special circumstances regarding patients) [9].<\/p>\n

Open Questions for Classmates<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

What threats should be considered while attempting to scale up the use of additive manufacturing to produce prosthetics in developing countries? Could 3D printing become a strong contender for prosthetic production in developed markets or will consumers continue to value traditionally produced prosthetics which are currently more sophisticated and durable?<\/p>\n

Word Count (797)<\/p>\n

Sources:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

[1] Ian Birrell, \u201cPrint Your Own Body Parts,\u201d Mosaic, February 19, 2017, https:\/\/mosaicscience.com\/story\/prosthetics-amputee-3D-printing<\/a> , accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[2] TJ McCue, \u201c3D Printed Prosthetics,\u201d Forbes, August 31, 2014, https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/tjmccue\/2014\/08\/31\/3d-printed-prosthetics\/#6f415f5133b4<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[3] Bill Copeland, CP, LP, \u201cThe Process of Creating a Prosthesis,\u201d Amputee Coalition, 2001, http:\/\/www.amputee-coalition.org\/resources\/creating-a-prosthesis\/<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[4] \u201dArtificial Limbs,\u201d How Products are Made, http:\/\/www.madehow.com\/Volume-1\/Artificial-Limb.html<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[5] \u201c3D PrintAbility,\u201d NIA Tech, http:\/\/niatech.org\/3d-printability\/<\/a> , accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[6] Roopinder Tara, \u201cChanging Lives – Custom Orthotics Let Kids Walk,\u201d Engineering.com, March 13, 2017,https:\/\/www.engineering.com\/DesignSoftware\/DesignSoftwareArticles\/ArticleID\/14489\/Changing-LivesCustom-Orthotics-Let-Kids-Walk.aspx<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[7] Amy Fallon, \u201cHow 3D printing can revolutionise the medical profession,\u201d The Guardian, September 29, 2017, https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/media-network\/2016\/sep\/29\/3d-printing-revolutionise-medical-profession<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[8] Audrey Wilson, \u201cInnovative trial to put printed prosthetics in reach,\u201d \u00a0Phnom Penh Post, September 3, 2016, http:\/\/www.phnompenhpost.com\/post-weekend\/innovative-trial-put-printed-prosthetics-reach<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n

[9] Anatol Locker, \u201c9 Basic Types of 3D Printers \u2013 3D Printing Technology Guide,\u201d All3DP, July 20, 2017, https:\/\/all3dp.com\/1\/types-of-3d-printers-3d-printing-technology\/<\/a>, accessed November 2017.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NIA Tech's additive manufacturing technology, 3D PrintAbility, is increasing access to prosthetic limbs and other mobility devices in developing countries by disrupting the supply chain of prosthetic limb production. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9591,"featured_media":23261,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[3340,3627,3625,3626],"class_list":["post-23131","hck-submission","type-hck-submission","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-additive-manufacturing","category-developing-countries","category-nia-tech","category-prosthetic-limbs","hck-taxonomy-organization-nia-tech","hck-taxonomy-industry-medical-devices-and-supplies","hck-taxonomy-country-canada"],"connected_submission_link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/assignment\/rc-tom-challenge-2017\/","yoast_head":"\n\u201cLimb\u201d-itless Solutions with 3D PrintAbility: An Example of an Additive Manufacturing Breakthrough in the Prosthetic Limb Production Supply Chain - 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