3D-printing for orthosis, prosthesis and exoskeleton

Maharita AR, Izzuna MM
Record ID 32018014791
English
Authors' objectives: To assess the efficacy/effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of 3D-printing for orthosis, prosthesis and exoskeleton
Authors' results and conclusions: The review showed that, 3D-printing technology is used in healthcare especially in manufacturing 3D-printed orthosis, exoskeleton and prosthesis. The applications of those 3D-printed orthosis, exoskeleton and prosthesis varies either in musculoskeletal, custom 3D-printed implants and surgical planning/training. Although the 3D-printed orthosis, exoskeleton and prosthesis showed a potential in reducing operation and treatment time, had good accuracy and improved patient’s outcome as well as increased their satisfaction; the outcomes were depended on patient’s conditions and types of the 3D-printed devices used. In terms of safety, less complications were reported with 3D-printing manufactured devices compared to conventionally manufactured. However, there are concerns on failure/malfunction and breaking issues. Other concerns were related to organisational issues which were production time, choice of materials, patient’s conditions which might affect the data collections such as image taking or molding process, expert personnel both in printing process and medical expertise, lastly the production capacity especially for mass production. The cost-effectiveness for 3D-printed orthosis, exoskeleton and prosthesis could not be determining as it depended on types of 3Dprinted device to be manufactured, the whole manufacturing process involved included the raw materials cost as well as the 3D-printer which had different price range.
Authors' methods: Literature search was conducted by an Information Specialist who searched for published articles on 3D-printed orthosis, prosthesis and exoskeleton. The following electronic databases were searched through the Ovid interface: ▪ MEDLINE® In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE® 1946 to 31 March 2025 Other databases: ▪ PubMed ▪ Other websites: US FDA, INAHTA, CADTH, Google Scholar General databases such as Google and Yahoo were used to search for additional web-based materials and information. Additional articles retrieved from reviewing the bibliographies of retrieved articles. The search was limited to articles on human and study years. There was no language limitation in the search. However, at the end only English and full text article were included.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/426
Year Published: 2025
URL for published report: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/426
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Mini HTA
Country: Malaysia
MeSH Terms
  • Orthotic Devices
  • Joint Prosthesis
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Exoskeleton Device
Keywords
  • 3D-printing
  • orthosis
  • prosthesis
  • exoskeleton
Contact
Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229
Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my
Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my
Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.