3D printing is booming in India. We’ve recently seen cases of how the technology is helping visually impaired children learn how to read braille as well as help those in need of prosthetics in remote areas of the country.
Now, the technology is being used by the Department of Orthopaedics at Kasturba Hospital. The department recently opened a 3D printing facility which will manufacture artificial limbs.
Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal, inaugurated the facility which is called Hastha, the Centre for Congenital Hand Differences.
Dr. Avinash Shetty, the Medical Superintendent at the Kasturba Hospital, explained that the 3D printable prosthetics are the new revolution in manufacturing artificial limbs.
The prosthetics can be produced quickly, cheaply as well as with innovative designs. They’re especially useful for children who will quickly outgrow a prosthetic.
Providing Multiple Prosthetics for Kids in Manipal
Dr. Shetty also explained to The Times of India that thanks to 3D printing, it’s possible to create prosthetics which are suitable for a range of uses. For example, one for sport and another for art class.
3D printing provides this level of customization. A prosthetic can be made for any level of amputation. However, they’re currently mechanical in appearance but can come in many colors.
We’ve previously seen how ColorFabb now has a filament which is useful for creating prosthetics which match skin tones too.
To create a prosthetic, a 3D scanner is usually used which will ensure the design fits perfectly. After a few hours of CAD and 3D printing, a lightweight prosthetic is ready to be worn.
The Hastha Centre for Congenital Hand Differences has been established under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Parents in Manipal who require a prosthetic are encouraged to get in touch with doctors at Kasturba Hospital.
You can also find out more about how 3D printing is being used to create prosthetics on All3DP.
Source: The Times of India
License: The text of "Kasturba Hospital’s 3D Printing Facility Gives Artificial Limbs to Children" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.