3D-Printed Cast Concept Uses Ultrasound to Heal Broken Bones
20th April 2014
The Osteoid, which won this year’s A’Design Award for 3D printed forms and products, is inspired by the spongy material that forms inside bones. Karasahin’s team writes that the lightweight concept would be tailor-made for patients in need, and can be designed with specific colors in mind. Most important, thought, is its complimentary ultrasound system. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS ) systems have already been found to promote bone fracture healing and can reportedly increase healing rate in non-union break by 80 percent.