Laurence Dollimore
A SPANISH company will trial its 3D-printed cast in September after winning the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in July.
Xkelet, based in Girona, has developed a waterproof cast with an open-lattice design tailored for each individual patient that could make the old heavyweight plaster cast redundant.
It is created with a design software programme after a scanner collects the broken limb’s specifications.
The lightweight casts are plastic and have round openings to allow for more breathability.
They also make it easier for doctors to access the broken limb, and make daily tasks more manageable.
The first cast is expected to hit hospitals within the next six months.
Having had to wear a full leg cast for nearly 3 months, I applaud this development!