3D Program
In brief
The 3D program highlights the use of digital technologies, such as surface scanning, 3D printing, and tele-rehabilitation, as essential tools to improve access to prosthetics for patients in need.
We focus particularly on upper limb amputee patients, such as in Jordan, where upper limb prostheses are fully 3D printed. We also provide support for burn victims on the face and neck in Jordan, Gaza, Syria, and Haiti, where transparent compression orthoses for burned patients’ faces and necks are also produced using these technologies. Our goal is to provide our patients with high-quality prosthetics, along with tailored rehabilitation care.
Since the beginning of the program, nearly 500 patients have benefited from these various prosthetic solutions.
Status of the project
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News
In detail
Since 2016, the MSF Foundation has been using 3D technology in some of its intervention areas to address the major issue of access to prosthetics in our contexts of intervention. This is a crucial challenge to help amputees regain their physical integrity and autonomy.
Upper limb prostheses
In Amman, Jordan, upper limb prostheses are now fully 3D printed. Patients are supported by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, engineer, and prosthetist). In addition to prostheses, assistive devices or small tools, fully adapted to each patient’s needs, are designed and manufactured to help them in their daily lives.
This pilot project in Amman has demonstrated since June 2017 that 3D printing of prosthetics is a deployable, accessible tool adaptable to the individual needs of patients and more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing methods.
Compression masks
Building on this success, the 3D program was expanded to include the design of compression masks for the face and neck for severe burn victims. This has been implemented in Amman since 2018, as well as in Haiti in 2019 and Gaza in 2020. Facial burns can result in serious complications (skin contractures and hypertrophy leading to functional, aesthetic, and social consequences) if not treated with compression masks and proper patient follow-up. Once again, 3D technology, particularly 3D scanning, helps overcome the main barrier to access: the complexity of making compression masks, which is usually done by specialized professionals. This method allows for earlier and more comfortable care compared to conventional methods, with precise computer modeling and remote technical support via telemedicine.
The deployment
The 3D program aims to promote gradual autonomy for our teams in the field. Initially, they receive training and support from MSF Foundation teams, as well as from external experts and partners, for the design of prosthetics and the development of care strategies. Over time, local teams become autonomous in using 3D technologies while continuing to benefit from the Foundation’s support. This system also encourages collaboration between the programs in Amman, Haiti, Gaza, and Syria.
At the same time, since 2023, the Foundation has launched a regional 3D project in the Middle East to prevent breaks in patient follow-up and develop local care solutions in different regions.
How does it work?
The main stages of the program
3D programm in pictures
Our partners
The team
Contribute
You wish to specifically support the development of this project ? Contact Catherine Béchereau - Loyalty and Philanthropy Manager 01 40 21 56 88 - [email protected]
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