3D-printed prosthetic devices for children – individualized care yields multiple benefits

3D printing technology has become an integral part of different sectors, including the assistive technology industry. Especially in orthopedics, the technology has seen increasing use. That’s owing to its many advantages, such as quick production and customization options. 3D printed prosthetics can greatly benefit children who depend on them.

Compared to adult prosthetics, the fitting process for kids comes with its own unique challenges. It requires a custom approach thanks to the alignment and height of the prosthesis. That’s why it often makes more sense to use 3D-printed prosthetics for children because the device can be adapted to fit the individual’s remaining shape of the limb perfectly and subsequently achieve a more natural gait pattern.

Since 2015, the rahm Zentrum für Gesundheit GmbH has been exploring innovative 3D printing technology and now also makes prosthetics for children using this process. "Because of the lack of adequate accommodations and alternatives, adapting this new technology became a must in pediatric prosthetics. Oftentimes, the functional needs of these very young patients were not being met appropriately. Here, the combination of high-quality functionality and kid-friendly design and the possibility of computer-aided stress simulation analysis has produced great results," explains André Dick, Head of Digital Orthopedic Technology at rahm Zentrum für Gesundheit GmbH.

3D prosthetics can accommodate all amputation heights for smaller children. rahm supplies prosthetic arms and legs. “Pronounced deformities or malformations are a special challenge when it comes to prosthetic care. But even in these cases, 3D printing processes create great options,” Dick explains the situation. The Head of Digital Orthopedic Technology also points out that as the child gets older, 3D printing increasingly forms a symbiotic relationship with conventional methods and complements time-tested components. This creates a synergy between 3D-printed and conventional prosthetic devices, though this rarely happens at a very young age.

Pohlig GmbH also uses the 3D printing process to manufacture various orthoses and prostheses - including a pediatric orthosis and prosthesis. The company chose 3D printing as a process to make below knee (BK) or transtibial (TT) prostheses (German: Unterschenkel-Fußorthese, USFO), because it facilitates an orthosis that is lightweight, thin-walled, and features a durable surface and aesthetic design. This allows children to wear ready-made shoes, which improves dynamic walking. 3D printing is also beneficial when it comes to the so-called FIRST prosthesis because it enables low weight and a child-friendly design. However, the key benefit of the 3D printing process in this setting was the improved prosthetic comfort it provides when children wear the device.

One advantage of a 3D-printed prosthetic for children compared to a conventional pediatric device is the lightweight construction. The kid-friendly and highly customizable design also ensures a higher acceptance rate of prosthetic devices in children. "The scanning technology makes it easier to facilitate growth-related adjustments and eliminates the use of plaster to create a mold. The process is notably less stressful for the whole family. By combing all the advantages, we achieve excellent functionality," adds Dick.