Patient teams up with experts to develop 3D printed splints

Tom felt the need to create different splints because the traditional ones were difficult to put on, because of the Velcro, and were cumbersome and not very nice to look at.

“After the accident it soon became quite obvious there was a lack of wrist supports to help with brachial plexus injuries. I was looking for something minimal. All the wrist supports I’ve had were very medical and stood out, and the more I was recovering, the less I wanted it to look like I had an injury”, the patient explained.

These splints are being tested at Hospital Morriston, Wales, and are custom-made to fit the patient, having flexible casts which also be made in a range of designs and colors, also being made of a more solid and durable material.

The splints are printed from a 3D scan of the patient’s arm, which is 3D printed so the 3D printed splint can be fit to it perfectly, and then they are tested by the patient.

"The prototype casts are tied with bungee cords, which make them easier to get on and off. It also has a little face for a watch and can be printed in any color or pattern. You can even have your name on it, so you can really personalize it in any way you want. There’s nobody else in the world that has actually produced anything like this. Once we’re happy with the prototype and satisfied with the fit and function of the design, it could be used for numerous other conditions such as fractures and stroke patients”, Marc Lloyd expressed.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/1YhnlcN