Development of orthopaedic cast through 3D printing

• Main Author: Jee, Javis De Hui
• Other Authors: Yeong Wai Yee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/67470
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Casting is an essential part of orthopaedics. It is the part of standard treatment for most fractures. Casts provide a stable, protected environment in which the external, periosteal callus can form and normal bone healing can proceed. While this appears to be a benign treatment, complications are known to exist in the placement and removal of these devices. Typically medical students and residents learn these techniques by trial and error. However, often direct oversight is lacking in the teaching of these techniques. For the most part, this skill is learnt by gaining experience through trial and error. This study aims to develop customisable 3D printed casts that minimises the requirement for trial and error in the application of casting to allow for greater patient care, and recovery. The integration of pressure sensors that can be directly placed between the injured arm and the cast that is produced with 3D printing technology would further decrease the number of complications caused by casts that are too tight or too loose. These, when applied to the manufacture of comfortable, fitting and hygienic casts, will provide physicians with better tools to tackle the orthopaedic challenges of today.