# Prosthetist Knowledge and 3D Printing

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the role of prosthetist knowledge in the development of 3D printing for prosthetics from 2014 to 2020.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating prosthetist experience into the 3D printing ecosystem.

## Key findings

- Prosthetist knowledge has both supported and questioned claims about new device production techniques.
- Preserving clinical prosthetist expertise is crucial for creating well-fitting devices.
- The paper argues for deeper attention to prosthetist knowledge in the 3D printing design process.

## Abstract

In this paper we briefly explored the history of 3D printing in prosthetics. We provided details of our own work developing 3D printing design tools from 2014–2020 noting how claims around prosthetist experience and knowledge have been supported and/or questioned in the development of new device production techniques. We ended by arguing for deeper attention to prosthetist knowledge and experience in the design of the growing 3D printing ecosystem, seeing this focus as necessary and important to preserve and support clinical prosthetist in the production of well-fitting and appropriate devices for patients.