Twitter
Advertisement

3D printed casts to treat fractures?

NovaCast, created by a group of Mexican entrepreneurs, has several advantages over the traditional plaster cast, including the fact that it is ten times lighter

Latest News
article-main
A 3D cast, as imagined by Turkish student Deniz Karasahin
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

A fracture is something nobody wants. It leaves us in pain, we're made to take multiple x-rays, undergo physiotherapy for recovery and most importantly, have a cast to ensure that the affected area heals on time. However, the use of plaster in casts have been proven to cause infections because of the lack of ventilation. Sweat usually gathers and sometimes has the ability to affect the area more than healing it.

To avoid these problems, a group of young graduates from the National University of Mexico started Mediprint, a start-up that uses 3D printing to make casts. The main product, called NovaCast, is made with 3D printing, replacing the traditional cast. It has the advantage of being ten times lighter, removable, aesthetic and can be personalized.

Video Source: Futurism

The cast is prepared using a software that allows to define the precise measures needed for the medical device without the need to make a 3D scan.

A 3D printed cast can be obtained obtained in an average of three and a half hours depending on the size of the person. If it gets enough funding, this method of treating fractures could soon take over the world.

In 2014, Turkish industrial designer Deniz Karasahin did something similar by coming up with the Osteoid medical cast to improve the overall healing experience for broken or fractured limbs by focusing on the patient’s comfort and the amount of time needed for the body to heal itself. In addition to the 3D printing, ultrasonic technology was used to make healing a broken bone more bearable.

 

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement