Updated Academy Position Statement on 3D-Printed O&P Devices

3D printing is increasingly woven into orthotic and prosthetic care. To ensure guidance keeps pace, the Academy’s Public Policy Committee has reviewed and updated our Position Statement on 3D-Printed Devices. While 3D printing remains a manufacturing tool—not a substitute for comprehensive, clinician-directed patient care delivered by credentialed professionals, the updated statement reflects new considerations as the technology evolves.

What’s new in the updated statement:

• Broader scope: Now covers all 3D-printed devices—custom and off-the-shelf.
• Expanded education domains: Physiology, kinesiology, and pathology are added alongside anatomy, biomechanics, and materials science.
• Clearer safeguards: Emphasizes medical necessity, credentialed clinical oversight, and standards development.
• Leadership commitment: The Academy will lead the development of standards tied to clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based care—moving beyond encouragement to action.

Read the Updated Position Statement