Stereolithography and Prosthetic Test Socket Manufacture: A Cost/Benefit Analysis

Rapid prototyping technology has revolutionized the way parts are engineered and designed. Stereolithography (SL), a form of rapid prototyping, receives data from a CAD (computer-aided design) system and cures a liquid photopolymer resin with a laser to form a solid three-dimensional object. The manufacture of prosthetic test sockets traditionally has been accomplished by vacuum forming a thermoplastic material over a casting. Stereolithography technology bypasses the need for casting and fabricates the socket directly from the mold. Two test sockets were fabricated using stereolithography and fit to a transtibial amputee. The manufacturing and capital costs were evaluated. Currently, the cost of using stereolithography is exceeding the cost of current methods of prosthetic test socket fabrication. Stereolithography technology is in its infancy but changing rapidly. In the future, all prosthetic sockets and orthoses may be directly manufactured saving time and money while maintaining product quality.