Introduction: The fundamental concept and common goal in orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation is to establish the optimal shape and function of the body after an injury or illness. The use of orthoses or prostheses contributes to improving the movement and mobility of the user. A well-designed device enables the performance of daily living activities and can significantly change the lives of users. The choice of material is partly dependent on the individual needs of each user and is a key step toward success in the design and planning of the device. Thermoplastic materials, which are synthetic resins and a category of polymers that can be softened and shaped using heat, are most commonly used in orthotics and prosthetics. Thermoplastic materials were adopted due to their high durability, ease of processing, excellent mechanical properties, and low cost. Healthcare institutions worldwide face a large amount of uninfected plastic waste. Recycling plastic is also important for environmental protection, as research indicates that millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present thermoplastic materials, their properties and processing techniques, the selection of the right material for the production of devices, and to inform everyone about the possibilities for recycling and reusing waste generated during production. Methods: The thesis used a descriptive method with a review of existing foreign professional literature. The literature was searched in databases such as Google Scholar, DiKUL, PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Medline, and MDPI. Results: The most commonly used polymers are polyethylene and polypropylene, as they possess desirable properties such as low density, recyclability, high thermal stability, and strong chemical resistance. Thermoplastic polymers can be processed multiple times using heat and can also be recycled. Recycling polymers is a way to reduce environmental issues caused by the accumulation of polymer waste generated from everyday use. Discussion and Conclusion: Institutions that deal with medical plastic waste should encourage healthcare workers to properly sort different types of plastics and inform them about the options for recycling waste plastic. This approach would facilitate the recycling process and the redesign of plastic materials. With the help of additive manufacturing, more affordable, custom-made devices are being produced.
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