Three-Dimensional (3-D) Printing: A Cost-Effective Solution for Improving Global Accessibility to Prostheses

Kyle Silva; Stephanie Rand; David Cancel; Yuxi Chen; Rani Kathirithamby; Michelle Stern

doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.06.438

Three-Dimensional (3-D) Printing: A Cost-Effective Solution for Improving Global Accessibility to Prostheses

PM R. 2015 Dec;7(12):1312-1314. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.06.438.

Authors

Kyle Silva¹, Stephanie Rand¹, David Cancel¹, Yuxi Chen¹, Rani Kathirithamby¹, Michelle Stern²

Affiliations

¹ Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY.
² The Arthur S. Abramson Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, NY.

PMID: 26709247
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.06.438

Abstract

The lack of access to prostheses is a global problem, partially caused by the high cost associated with the current manufacturing process. Three-dimensional printing is gaining use in the medical field, and one such area is prosthetics. In addition to using cost-effective materials, this technology allows for rapid prototyping, making it an efficient solution for the development of affordable prostheses. If the rehabilitation medicine community embraces this novel technology, we can help alleviate the global disparity of access to prostheses.

Publication types

Editorial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Computer-Aided Design*
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
Printing, Three-Dimensional / economics*
Printing, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
Prostheses and Implants*