Mechanical Analysis of a Novel 3D-printed External Fixator Design Versus Industry-standard External Fixators.

Lisa N MacFaddenLuke W AdamsClint BoerhaveHunter A O'ConnorBrooklyn K VanDerWoldeNathan Wm Skelley

Published in: The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2024)

This study demonstrates that a low-cost desktop 3D printer can create an entirely 3D-printed external fixator that resists clinically relevant forces similar to medical-grade industry-standard external fixators. Therefore, there is potential for customizable and low-cost external fixators to be manufactured with desktop 3D printing for use in remote areas and other resource-constrained environments for fracture care.

Keyphrases

low cost
healthcare
palliative care
quality improvement
climate change
pain management
human health