3D PRINTED QUICK HEALING CAST: THE EXOSKELETAL IMMOBILIZER

A cast is used to encase a limb or part of the body to stabilize and hold anatomical structures in place to allow healing of broken bones and ligament tears by promoting immobilization. Conventional orthopedic casts have been made out of Plaster of Paris or fiberglass since ages. The traditional plaster casts have a wide range of problems that have been long since evaded due to the lack of a better alternative. Ever since the advent of additive manufacturing, many remarkable things have been made possible by the technology of 3D printing. The Exoskeletal Immobilizer is a custom 3D printed orthopedic cast that is well ventilated, light weighted, aesthetically pleasing and anatomically accurate. Even though printing the immobilizer on spot takes a little longer than the conventional cast, its countless benefits make up for the waiting time. It is extremely logical and useful for the ones suffering from cerebral palsy, who are forced to wear casts for their entire life. This project is not just another profit making business idea but is the cornerstone that is being laid to serve the people better and lead humanity into the next phase of medical advancement. By integrating parts of physiotherapy, eastern medicine, orthopedics and latest technologies, the Immobilizer promises a speedy recovery. The possibility of performing ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation therapy, chromotherapy, cryotherapy and acupuncture therapy during the immobilization period reduces the healing time at least by about 40% ([4]) and eases discomfort of the patients. The features imparted to the cast have been specially handpicked and researched to provide a safe overlap of post immobilization treatment and the immobilization period to facilitate faster healing. The Exoskeletal Immobilizer can not only heal the fracture or a tear faster but can also keep the patient comfortable during the treatment.