3D printed casts

So we have all seen one, or had a broken limb ourselves that required a plaster or fiberglass cast to set the bones for weeks on end. For those of you who have had to endure this you would know about all the difficulties that come with it. Lack of air, itch, the smell and keeping it dry and clean. Well all of this could be solved with the relatively new technology of 3D printing. Victoria University of Wellington graduate, Jake Evill has produced a cortex prototype cast that is causing quite a stir. This cast is lightweight, ventilated, washable, thin enough to fit under a shirt sleeve, while strong enough to stabilize the broken bones while they heal.

'A patient would have the bones x-rayed and the outside of the limb 3D-scanned. Computer software would then determine the optimum bespoke shape, with denser support focussed around the fracture itself. The polyamide pieces would be printed on-site and clip into place with fastenings that can't be undone until the healing process is complete, when they would be taken off with tools at the hospital as normal. Unlike current casts, the materials could then be recycled.'


This idea and use of technology has enormous potential. It's a way of bringing fracture support into the 21st century, that actually has a stylish edge to it. Found here.