Software makes it easy to design & 3D print wrist splints for arthritis sufferers
Many arthritis patients do not want to use the current splints as they are 'ugly, bulky, and can make a patients arm sweat'. But this may change very soon as Dr Abby Paterson, a Loughborough Universitylecturer, has developed a computer software concept that will enable clinicians to design and make custom-made 3D printed wrist splints that are not only more comfortable and attractive but potentially cheaper than the current ones.
The splints, which provide joint protection, rest, and promote pain relief, could be a major boost for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common type of arthritis in the UK which affects more than 400,000 people, said Abby Paterson, from design school.
The splints are made by scanning a patient's arm in the 'appropriate position'. A 3D model splint is then designed based on the scan to generate a computer model.
The 3D printer, an Objet Connex 3D printer, can then produce as many splints as are needed, and clinicians can integrate multiple materials in a single splint such as rubber-like integral hinges or cushioning features. They can be any colour, have a lattice design to aid ventilation and any type of fastening the patient requires.
The software is designed to enable clinicians with no experience in 3D modelling to design and make custom-made 3D printed wrist splints for patients.
"I wanted to give clinicians the ability to make splints that they have not been able to make before," Paterson said, "They can improve the aesthetics, the fit, and integrate extra bits of functionality they couldn't do before."
Dr Paterson was supervised during her PhD by Dr Richard Bibb and Dr Ian Campbell. Dr Bibb came up with the idea for bespoke wrist splints in the late 1990's. Dr Bibb and Dr Paterson are currently pursuing opportunities to perform a 'thorough cost analysis' of providing the service. They believe that with some financial backing they could perfect the CAD software within 18 months.
Dr Bibb believes they will be cost-effective, he said: "We are in the development phase. The research has proved that this is desirable and the clinicians want it. We know there's lots of potential."