The use of thermoplastic in prosthetics: materials and fabrications technics

Thermoplastics and prosthetics have been used for decades, however, is not widely used for socket fabrication. A variety of thermoplastics options will be presented and discussed, fabrication technics will be demonstrated as well as suspension systems available, advantages and disadvantages of using thermoplastics and acrylic laminations will be discussed and final prostheses will be presented with different sockets designs and materials used.

In addition, examples of hybrid prostheses using thermoplastics and acrylic laminated will be shown demonstrating the traditional fabrication technics so a comparison of both systems can be evaluated and discussed by the audience.

Also, a list of minimum equipment, tools and machinery will be described.

Statement of the objective / learning objectives

- The main objective is to demonstrate the fabrication process of prosthetics using thermoplastics

- The other objective is to describe the different materials options available

- Finally, to demonstrate the finishing options