Printing a New Future in Medicine

Written by Regan | Edited by Anushka

Imagine a world where objects can be created with the touch of a button! Thanks to 3D printing, it is now possible to create objects at the touch of a button. The usage of 3D printing erupted within the past decade, and its methods are more reliable, accessible, and practical to produce things of all sorts- from car parts to clothes to chocolate and everything in between.While these are impressive, 3D printing can also be implemented to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. Scientists are now exploring and testing 3D printing in the medical field by making casts and prosthetics.

One of the first and arguably easiest medical applications of 3D printing is making casts, which help to keep the bone immobile and in place, thus allowing cells to repair themselves within broken bones. Osteoclasts, a type of cell which breaks down bone cells, enter the bone, break it down, and remove the old osteocytes (bone cells). Once the old cells are removed, osteoblasts, a type of cell similar to osteoclasts that build up bone cells, enter the bone and repair the broken bone. This process is known as bone remodeling. Typically, casts are made of plaster or synthetic material such as fiberglass. Both fiberglass and plaster casts are not waterproof, which presents a major inconvenience especially when showering. Additionally, they are bulky and unattractive. A 3D printed cast is both visually appealing and waterproof. Unlike plaster casts, a 3D printed cast allows an x-ray to be taken without removing the cast. 3D printed casts are customizable, thus individuals can make a cast that fits them perfectly. However, such unique designs come with a price. 3D printed casts can range from $200 to $500, prices which are not favored by the public. Finding a medical facility capable of implementing 3D printing techniques to make casts is nearly impossible. Therefore, the standard plain cast might be the most practical option for now.

Not only can 3D printers be used to produce casts, they can produce prosthetic devices. 3D printed prosthetics are relatively easy to make. Ivan Owen was one of the first to create a 3D printed hand; He planned to use it as a prop at a costume convention, but soon paved the way for future 3D printed hands. A carpenter who lost his fingers reached out to Ivan to see if he would be willing to help print a working 3D printed hand. After Ivan made a successful design and layout, he released the files to the public for free. This became the inspiration for an online organization, E-nable, which provides children and adults with low-cost 3D printed prosthetics. Traditional prosthetics are heavy, expensive, and unappealing. In contrast, a 3D printed prosthetic is lightweight, cost-efficient, and customizable. 3D printed prosthetics are especially beneficial for children because they are still growing and need inexpensive and customizable options. 3D printed prosthetics also allow for distinctive, unique, and playful designs, like the one shown below.

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References

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Caruso, C. (2020, April 02). You Can Get a 3-D-Printed Cast for a Broken Bone. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2016/07/25/70590/you-can-get-a-3-d-printed-cast-for-a-broken-bone/#:~:text=He says the casts cost,already taken hold in medicine.

Development, W. (2020, July 15). 3D Printed Prosthetics Where We Are Today. Retrieved from https://www.amputee-coalition.org/3d-printed-prosthetics/#:~:text=A prosthetic hand can cost,However, this will soon change.

Mercedes. (2020, March 03). How are 3D Printed Casts Made: 3D Printing Toronto. Retrieved from https://endesign.co/3d-printed-casts-made/