User perspectives of digital manufacturing for lower-limb prosthetic sockets.

Background: There is growing interest to use digital technology (DT) for manufacturing lower-limb prosthetic sockets to improve efficiency and clinical outcomes. However, little is known about how lower-limb prosthesis users perceive DTs, such as 3D scanning and 3D printing.

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an understanding of perceptions and experiences with DT for prosthetic socket manufacturing from the perspective of prosthesis users.

Study Design: A qualitative descriptive research study.

Methods: Nine lower-limb prosthesis users (mean age 56; 5 female; 4 male) participated in one-on-one semistructured telephone interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify a codebook and emerging themes from the interview transcripts.

Results: Two major themes were identified: (1) expectations and prioritization of 3D printed socket usability and (2) facilitators and barriers to uptake of DT among patients.

Conclusion: DT methods were found to be acceptable and feasible from a patient perspective, although technological advancements are still required, and real-time communication about the process may be vital for ensuring patient engagement. Consideration of these findings may improve patient satisfaction to emerging prosthesis treatment plans and ultimately support widespread adoption of DT as an additional tool for fabricating prosthetic sockets.