Designed Prosthetics

Abstract

The goal of a facial prosthesis is to restore normality to a facial disfigurement caused by illness or injury. It is the first goal of the prosthetic technician to restore a sense of normality, confidence and comfort to a patient. This thesis provides an alternative view of what a prosthesis could offer it's wearer. It does not seek to replace nor replicate the work of the specialists who produce traditional prostheses.

3d scanning and multi-property 3d printing technology and an extensive iterative process provided methods for developing prototypes that address issues identified by a single participant. Multi-Property 3d printers mix rigid and soft materials to achieve a range of material flexibility ideal for designing for morphology, the unique and dynamic physiology of the human body.

The design concepts offered ways of improving the retention of traditional prostheses that can be dislodged easily and a cheap replaceable alternative prosthesis that could be used during exercise and social sports. Feedback and criticism was provided by the participant, an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and a Prosthetic Technician.

The research concluded with the successful fitting of a magnetically retained alternative prosthesis for exercise and physical activity and the potential for further exploration of a shock absorbing retention device that could be installed in traditional silicone prostheses.