Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses
Abstract Background In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a new manufacturing technique of custom-fitted orthoses, showing comparable stability, and wearing comfort than traditional orthoses. However, there is a paucity of data on economic aspects of the manufacturing of 3D...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | 3D Printing in Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00287-6 |
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| author | Marianne von Haller Louise Couchman Philipp Honigmann |
| author_facet | Marianne von Haller Louise Couchman Philipp Honigmann |
| author_sort | Marianne von Haller |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a new manufacturing technique of custom-fitted orthoses, showing comparable stability, and wearing comfort than traditional orthoses. However, there is a paucity of data on economic aspects of the manufacturing of 3D-printed orthoses (3DPOs). The aim of this study is to economically evaluate the manufacturing process of 3DPOs compared to conventional low-temperature thermoplastic orthoses (LTTOs) in a clinical setting. Methods A prospective cost minimisation analysis from a healthcare provider perspective was conducted including 17 wrist orthoses (8 3DPOs and 9 LTTOs). Results The mean cost per orthosis was significantly higher in 3DPOs (€ 46.54) than in LTTOs (€ 30.28). The main cost factors in 3DPOs were the labour (62.2%) and purchase cost (22.2%), while the material (69.4%) and labour cost (30.6%) were most important in LTTOs. Conclusions The high initial investment might be a hurdle in the implementation of 3DPOs in hand rehabilitation, however, lower material cost and less waste is a benefit compared to LTTOs. Large-scale use of the infrastructure and developments in technology might reduce the investments needed in the future. Trial registration : not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ead9ed9f40a4435fb9bd511a849ddb78 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2365-6271 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | 3D Printing in Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-ead9ed9f40a4435fb9bd511a849ddb782025-08-20T04:01:26ZengBMC3D Printing in Medicine2365-62712025-07-011111810.1186/s41205-025-00287-6Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthosesMarianne von Haller0Louise Couchman1Philipp Honigmann2Hand Therapy, Kantonsspital BasellandCollege of Health Psychology and Social Care, University of DerbyHand and peripheral Nerve Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Kantonsspital BasellandAbstract Background In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a new manufacturing technique of custom-fitted orthoses, showing comparable stability, and wearing comfort than traditional orthoses. However, there is a paucity of data on economic aspects of the manufacturing of 3D-printed orthoses (3DPOs). The aim of this study is to economically evaluate the manufacturing process of 3DPOs compared to conventional low-temperature thermoplastic orthoses (LTTOs) in a clinical setting. Methods A prospective cost minimisation analysis from a healthcare provider perspective was conducted including 17 wrist orthoses (8 3DPOs and 9 LTTOs). Results The mean cost per orthosis was significantly higher in 3DPOs (€ 46.54) than in LTTOs (€ 30.28). The main cost factors in 3DPOs were the labour (62.2%) and purchase cost (22.2%), while the material (69.4%) and labour cost (30.6%) were most important in LTTOs. Conclusions The high initial investment might be a hurdle in the implementation of 3DPOs in hand rehabilitation, however, lower material cost and less waste is a benefit compared to LTTOs. Large-scale use of the infrastructure and developments in technology might reduce the investments needed in the future. Trial registration : not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00287-6OrthosisPatient-specific3D-PrintingLow-Temperature-ThermoplasticsEconomic evaluationCost-Minimisation analysis |
| spellingShingle | Marianne von Haller Louise Couchman Philipp Honigmann Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses 3D Printing in Medicine Orthosis Patient-specific 3D-Printing Low-Temperature-Thermoplastics Economic evaluation Cost-Minimisation analysis |
| title | Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| title_full | Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| title_fullStr | Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| title_full_unstemmed | Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| title_short | Economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3D-printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| title_sort | economic evaluation of the manufacturing of 3d printed wrist orthoses vs low temperature thermoplastic wrist orthoses |
| topic | Orthosis Patient-specific 3D-Printing Low-Temperature-Thermoplastics Economic evaluation Cost-Minimisation analysis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00287-6 |
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