ArticleEClinicalMedicine2021
Pioneering low-cost 3D-printed transtibial prosthetics to serve a rural population in Sierra Leone - an observational cohort study.
Article in EClinicalMedicine, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Pooled it
- Exploring barriers to access and use of limb prostheses and orthoses in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.African journal of disability · 2026Review
- Article
- Frugal Innovations in Orthopaedics.Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine · 2025Review
- Integration of TLS and HLS Data for Non-Destructive Structural Damage Assessment of Building Structures: A Case Study of a Small Hydropower Plant.Materials (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Applications of 3D printing in orthopedics: a scoping review.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2025Article
- Bioinspired Design of 3D-Printed Cellular Metamaterial Prosthetic Liners for Enhanced Comfort and Stability.Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Investigation on three-dimensional printed prosthetics leg sockets coated with different reinforcement materials: analysis on mechanical strength and microstructural.Scientific reports · 2024Article
- Numerical Analysis of a Transtibial Prosthesis Socket Using 3D-Printed Bio-Based PLA.Materials (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Article
- Additive Manufacturing Strategies for Personalized Drug Delivery Systems and Medical Devices: Fused Filament Fabrication and Semi Solid Extrusion.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Review
- The Use of Smartphone Photogrammetry to Digitise Transtibial Sockets: Optimisation of Method and Quantitative Evaluation of Suitability.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021Article
- People with amputations in rural Sierra Leone: the impact of 3D-printed prostheses.BMJ case reports · 2021Article
- 3D printing and prostheses: The current state-of-the-art and future directions.Journal of rehabilitation and assistive technologies engineeringReview
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThere is a huge unmet global need for affordable prostheses. Amputations often happen in Sierra Leone due to serious infections, complex wounds, traffic accidents and delayed patient presentation to the hospital. However, purchasing a prosthesis is still beyond reach for most Sierra Leonean amputees.
methodWe applied computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce low-cost transtibial prosthetic sockets. In February and March 2020, eight participants received a 3D printed transtibial prosthesis in the village of Masanga in Tonkolili district, Sierra Leone. Research was performed using questionnaires to investigate the use, participants' satisfaction, and possible complications related to the prostheses. Questionnaires were conducted prior to production of the prosthesis and five to six weeks after fitting the prosthesis. A personal short-term goal was set by the participants.
findingsCompetitively priced and fully functional prostheses were produced locally. After six weeks, all participants were still wearing the prosthesis and six of the eight participants reached their personal rehabilitation goals. Using their prostheses, all participants were no longer in need of their crutches.
interpretationWe have come a step closer to the production of low-cost prostheses for low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The goal of our project is to perform long-term follow-up and to refine our concept of 3D printed prostheses for LMICs to provide practical solutions for a global health need unmet to date.
funding€ 15,000 was collected during a crowdfunding campaign in collaboration with the Dutch Albert Schweitzer Fund. Internship allowance for MvdS was obtained from the University of Twente. 3D-scanner, 3D-printer, and printing material were donated by Ultimaker BV and Shining 3D.
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