Can't stand itchy, smelly plaster casts? 3D-printed casts to the rescue!

Can't stand the itchy and smelly plaster casts you're stuck with if you broke an arm or a leg? 3D-printed casts to the rescue!

 

While still in the prototype stage, the 3D-printed casts promise to be lightweight, ventilated, washable and could fit under a sleeve, Dezeen.com reported.

 

"At the moment, 3D printing of the cast takes around three hours whereas a plaster cast is three to nine minutes, but requires 24 to 72 hours to be fully set. With the improvement of 3D printing, we could see a big reduction in the time it takes to print in the future," said Victoria University of Wellington graduate Jake Evill, the creator of the 3D-printed cast.

 

Evill said the "Cortex exoskeletal cast" promises a technical support system that is localized to the trauma area.

 

He added it is "fully ventilated, super light, shower friendly, hygienic, recyclable and stylish."

 

Evill, who worked with the orthopedic department of his university on the project, is now looking for backing to develop the idea further.

 

The 3D-printed cast uses x-ray and 3D scans of a patient with a fracture and a computer generates an optimum 3D model.

 

Pieces could be printed on the spot and clip into place, with the fastenings cannot be undone until the healing completes.

 

What's even better about the upcoming cast is that its materials could then be recycled, Dezeen.com said.

 

A separate article on tech site CNET said the attractive part of the new cast is the concept of air holes, which give the wearer "endless opportunities to easily scratch the inevitable itches."

 

"The cast is just a concept at this point, but considering how the medical world has embraced the use of 3D printers, it may not be too far off from becoming reality," it added. — VC, GMA News