Breaking a bone sucks from beginning to end, and the initial injury isn’t even the worst part. Yes, the pain is usually excruciating at first, but the months of moving around with a cumbersome cast are torture! It’s bad enough that you can’t move part of your body, but you also can’t wash or even itch that part either. Luckily, thanks to 3D printers, there’s a better alternative on the horizon.
Jake Evill, a graduate from Victoria University of Wellington, has created a new way of making casts using a 3D printer. The design works by creating customized casts for each patient depending on their injury. The cast is made denser around the parts of the bone that are mending while it’s left open in other areas that aren’t affected quite as bad.
Advantages of 3D Printed Casts
The benefits of 3D printed casts extend far beyond just being able to wash your arm. Traditional plaster casts are heavy, bulky, and can cause skin irritation due to their inability to breathe. In contrast, 3D printed casts are lightweight, breathable, and can be customized to fit the exact contours of the patient’s limb. This customization not only makes the cast more comfortable but also ensures that it provides optimal support to the injured area.
Moreover, the open lattice structure of the 3D printed cast allows for better air circulation, reducing the risk of skin infections and making it easier to maintain hygiene. Patients can shower without worrying about getting the cast wet, and they can also apply topical medications directly to the skin if needed. This level of convenience and comfort is a significant improvement over traditional casts.
Future Implications and Innovations
While Jake Evill’s 3D printed cast is still in the testing phase, its potential to revolutionize orthopedic care is immense. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions for medical applications. For instance, future iterations of 3D printed casts could incorporate sensors to monitor the healing process in real-time. These sensors could provide valuable data to healthcare providers, allowing them to make more informed decisions about a patient’s treatment plan.
Additionally, the use of biodegradable materials in 3D printing could lead to casts that naturally dissolve as the bone heals, eliminating the need for cast removal procedures. This would not only reduce the discomfort associated with cast removal but also minimize the environmental impact of medical waste.
It’s still in the testing phase and has quite a ways to go before it comes mainstream, but I’m sure many people would be happier to be able to wash their arm as it mends. I think we can all agree it’s past time casts got an upgrade. They’re obtrusive, inconvenient and leave your injured limb in even worse condition than it’s already going to be in before rehabilitation.
What do you think of the new design? (It’s in the picture above)
Source – The Verge
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