3D printing technology is transforming the medical industry and offering life-saving solutions. It’s playing a pivotal role in simplifying aid for humans cost-effectively. Traditional curing methods are working well even today, but additive manufacturing takes it to another level.
Talking about the conventional casts, they are made using specialized bandages coated in Plaster of Paris. When they’re soaked in water, the plaster starts to harden, and it takes around 24 to 72 hours to set properly.
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image. (Image Source: Tom Claes on Unsplash)
The removal of traditional casts is a time-consuming process that requires arduous efforts. It requires a specialized electric saw to remove the hardened plaster carefully. The conventional process has specific risks, and 3d printed casts are overcoming them.
On this note, let’s explore how 3d printed fracture cast is helping with faster recovery along with their benefits to patients.
3D Printed Orthopedic Casts Development
3D printing is still evolving in the healthcare industry, and there is a massive scope for improvement to drive transformation. However, the potential of this technology is promising, and it can bring a paradigm shift in various convention processes like fracture treatment. The development process of 3d-printed casts is as follows:
Step 1 — X-Ray
Similar to the traditional process, it also begins with taking a standard x-ray of the patient’s limb to identify the actual damaged area of the broken bone.
Step 2 — Preparing 3D Model
Once the x-ray is done, doctors then scan the patient’s leg or arm using a 3d scanner to create an accurate 3d model. Compared to the conventional process, these 3d-printed models offer higher accuracy.
Step 3 — 3D Printing
A variety of 3D printing plastics are available for creating casts, and doctors pick lightweight plastic considering the convenience & usability. Once the 3d cast is ready, doctors then fit it on the patient’s broken arm or leg. Compared to the conventional method, this process is easy and takes less time.
With growing popularity, the use of 3D printed casts for legs or arms is gradually increasing. As researchers find more effective designs that sport faster recovery, we will see more mainstream applications.
How 3D Printed Casts Improve Recovery
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image. (Image Source: Tom Claes on Unsplash)
3D printing for the medical industry is acting as a catalyst, and it goes the same when it comes to enhancing fracture recovery. It improves the overall fracture recovery as it offers:
1. Easy To Fit/Remove
Applying and removing 3d printed casts is easier compared to the traditional Plaster of Paris. Once engineers print the custom cast, doctors can easily fit it on the patient within a few minutes. As the entire structure is supported by holding clips, there is no risk of the cast breaking apart. In addition, the removal of casts is also easy and quick as there is no need to use electric saws to cut them.
2. Excellent Breathability
The problem with older fracture structures is that there is no scope for breathability, resulting in itching and other infections. Air contact is critical while fitting the plaster to keep the skin healthy. A 3d printed arm cast solves this problem as the entire structure is airy to support excellent breathability. It overcomes the risks of constant sweat, warmth, and uneasiness.
3. They’re Waterproof
Another significant benefit of using 3d printed casts is that patients don’t need to worry about protecting themselves from water. As they are made up of high-quality plastics, they are waterproof. In addition, patients can easily clean the cast without worry about its durability.
4. Better Personalization
Personalization plays a winning role when it comes to faster fracture recovery. As all patients are different, their solutions also have to be custom. Additive manufacturing overcomes this challenge as it’s easier for manufacturers to collect accurate patient data and create personalized casts.
Benefits of 3D Printed Casts
3d printed casts offer a variety of benefits to both doctors and patients as they save time, money, and effort. Some of the key benefits of personalized 3d casts are:
- They’re highly personalized and comfortable
- Safer compared to conventional methods
- More cost-effective compared to many traditional casts
- It’s 100% reusable
Wrapping Up!
3D printing technology is the future of healthcare and these printed casts are the tip of the iceberg. In the future, we will see more mainstream applications of additive manufacturing. As the accessibility of this technology increases, more people will be able to get its benefits.
