Three-dimensional printed upper-limb prostheses lack randomised controlled trials: A systematic review.
Prosthet Orthot Int
; 42(1): 7-13, 2018 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28649911
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Three-dimensional printing provides an exciting opportunity to customise upper-limb prostheses.OBJECTIVE:
This review summarises the research that assesses the efficacy and effectiveness of three-dimensional printed upper-limb prostheses. STUDYDESIGN:
Systematic review.METHODS:
PubMed, Web of Science and OVID were systematically searched for studies that reported human trials of three-dimensional printed upper-limb prostheses. The studies matching the language, peer-review and relevance criteria were ranked by level of evidence and critically appraised using the Downs and Black Quality Index.RESULTS:
After removing duplicates, 321 records were identified. Eight papers met the inclusion criteria. No studies used controls; five were case studies and three were small case-series studies. All studies showed promising results, but none demonstrated external validity, avoidance of bias or statistically significant improvements over conventional prostheses. The studies demonstrated proof-of-concept rather than assessing efficacy, and the devices were designed to prioritise reduction of manufacturing costs, not customisability for comfort and function.CONCLUSION:
The potential of three-dimensional printing for individual customisation has yet to be fully realised, and the efficacy and effectiveness to be rigorously assessed. Until randomised controlled trials with follow-up are performed, the comfort, functionality, durability and long-term effects on quality of life remain unknown. Clinical relevance Initial studies suggest that three-dimensional printing shows promise for customising low-cost upper-limb prosthetics. However, the efficacy and effectiveness of these devices have yet to be rigorously assessed. Until randomised controlled trials with follow-up are performed, the comfort, functionality, durability and long-term effects on patient quality of life remain unknown.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Membros Artificiais
/
Impressão Tridimensional
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Systematic_reviews
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article