Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 387/22

DEPLOYMENT OF DIGITAL DESIGNING, 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR CUSTOMISED PROSTHESIS AND ORTHOSIS

On the initiative of North Eastern Council along with Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development towards Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Divyangjan, CRC Shillong, under the administrative control of NIEPMD, Chennai Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities Divyangjan , Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with Assam Electronic Development Corporation Limited, Guwahati a live Demo Digital of Prosthetic on 3rd Aug 2022 in the Conference Hall of NEC.

After witnessing the live Demo, NEC felt that along with partners, the initiative be taken forward. CRC, Shillong was accordingly requested to select some beneficiaries for case study. Two beneficiaries were finalized to be provided with Custom 3D Scanner Printing Prosthetics with help of AMTRON and National Institution under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, Chennai,

On 28th Aug 2022, Rehabilitation Officer of CRC Shillong along with the 2 beneficiaries from Meghalaya and 1 escort embarked on a journey to NIEPMD, Chennai. In the beginning, the patients had a number of questions. Both the patients were amputation of legs cases. Based on the digital scanning carried out by AMTRON at NEC, Shillong, the data was provided to P and O Officers of NIEPMD, Chennai for detailed designing of the sockets, includes expert involvement for pressure point markings, weight discharge etc, for final approved digital design and thereafter the sockets for the patients were printed using 3D Scanner Printing Technology. 3D Scanner Printed prosthetic generally involves 3D Printing of the prosthetic socket and rest of the prosthetic parts like Pylon and Feet are manufactured traditionally. Only the 3D printed socket is fitted into the Pylon as per the pic. Post fitment, the Divyangjan Beneficiaries were given the needful instructions by physiotherapist and occupational therapist including the relevant exercises for its optimal use in day to day life.

On 5th Sept 2022, both Amputee were fitted with 3d Printed socket prosthesis and the beneficiaries were amazed to see that the device fitted excellently well, besides the highly enhanced comfort and much better walk. Before leaving NEIPMD, Chennai, all further queries were answered to the full satisfaction of the Divyangjan beneficiaries. They expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for mobility given due to deployment of 3D printing technology that happened due to efforts of NEC, Compiosite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of persons with Disabilities , Shillong under the administrative control of NIEPMD, Chennai Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities Divyangjan, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and AMTRON.

They reached back home safely in Meghalaya on 6th September, 2022. This experience and initiative have proved and opened to a whole new world for Divyangjan persons as well as those suffering from temporary disability or trauma cases wherein 3D Printing Technology Industry 4.0 application scan help them overcome disabilities by use of customised prosthesis and orthosis or assistive devices which were earlier a pipedream.

The solution demonstrated under the aegis if NEC enables capturing and generating accurate digital data regarding geometry or shape of patients stump without the need for the patient undertaking repeat visit to assessment centers. This shall not only reduce Out of Pocket Expenses for Divyangjans but the digital repository so created can be used for both trend analysis as well as improving the quality of Continuous Medical Education for Prosthetist or Orthotist as well as other stakeholders. The prosthesis, orthosis assistive devices can be provided having custom fit within much shorter time.