Abstract
A revolution brought about by invention of 3D printing technology is emerging on the horizon. The 3D printer has potential to become a primary tool for building almost everything we need in the future. This paper presents the creating of custom made medical accessories and assistive devices that can help people that have a certain types of traumatic physical injury, fine motoric or hearing disabilities. Having in mind that fractures and other physical or motoric injuries are likely to occur in 2 % of the population every year, our efforts are in creating 3D printed immobilizers and assistive devices. These are more comfortable than standard casts and devices, far more accessible and affordable than off the shelf products. With the use of 3D scanners, accurate and detailed virtual model of both the traumatized or disabled region is easily created. Henceforth, the accompanying 3D model is custom-fit and can be easily printed. The 3D printed devices are often custom printed in structure that ensures easy appliance and removal, multiple use and skin respiration. Other benefits include a robust material that is water resistant and lighter, thinner and better looking than standard devices. The immobilizers and devices that were made in cooperation with the Traumatology clinic, Non-profit organizations focused on working with handicapped are presented in detail. Other types of medical accessories including hearing aid and printing assistive devices are covered in this paper.
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The research is partially supported by COST Action IC1303 Algorithms, Architectures and Platforms for Enhanced Living Environments (AAPELE).
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Appendix: Questionnaire
Appendix: Questionnaire
The questions in the questionnaire for the hand immobilizer were as follows:
A1. There are signs of any local irritation or allergic reaction.
A2. Those immobilizers may replace the traditional ones.
A3. There is no itchiness while wearing the immobilizer.
A4. The immobilizer provides good skin respiration, washing and tissue control.
A5. The immobilizer is fully anatomically correct.
A6. 3D printed immobilizers may be widely applicable in my everyday work.
The questions in the questionnaire for the assistive holder were as follows:
A7. The holder is comfortable and is applied with ease.
A8. The holder may facilitate the way you do daily actions.
A9. I have used similar devices but they weren’t custom fit for my arm.
A10. The holder could be easy changed and adjusted to any every day usage purpose.
A11. I would like other types of 3D printed hand holders.
A12. The holder is tightly tied to the hand and is not loose while using it.
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Stojmenski, A., Chorbev, I., Joksimoski, B., Stojmenski, S. (2015). 3D Printing Assistive Devices. In: Agüero, R., Zinner, T., Goleva, R., Timm-Giel, A., Tran-Gia, P. (eds) Mobile Networks and Management. MONAMI 2014. Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, vol 141. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16292-8_32
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16292-8_32
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