3D-Printed Cast Supports Fractures In A Ventilated, Recyclable Form

Back in my day, getting a cast required you to sit still in a medical office or hospital waiting room to wait for your cast to dry. You would then need to put up with keeping your appendage still for as much as possible so your broken bones could begin to heal, but thanks to 3D printing, you’ll now be able to have a sweet-looking cast that not only allows your skin to breath, but can be recycled, too.

The Cortex was created by Victoria University of Wellington graduate Jake Evill and is a 3D-printed exoskeleton cast that has been designed to be ventilated, light and recyclable, which is the complete opposite of traditional plaster casts. The Cortex would use the information from an X-ray and 3D scan to create a cast that would securely support the point of the fracture while allowing for the rest of your arm to breathe.

As of now, the Cortex is in its concept and pro type phase, but considering just how much they’ll use 3D printing for these days, we’d be surprised if something like this doesn’t become available in the coming years.

Daniel Perez
Categories: Medical