Innovating Extremity Injuries with 3D Technology

In a study published on April 18, 2024, in PLOS Digital Health, researchers from MANIAC (Military AI and Innovations in Acute Care) with Radboudumc 3D Lab and Department of Trauma Surgery explored a new imaging device for designing and creating patient-specific 3D printed splints. The 3DxSPLINT research project, driven by the limitations of traditional plaster casts, offers an alternative that promises enhanced comfort and functionality for both military and civilian patients. 

Traditional plaster cast, while effective, frequently cause discomfort and limit patients’ lifestyle significantly, preventing activities such as showering or swimming. The research team, led by Vincent Stirler and Laura van Ginkel, aimed to address these issues by 3D technologies to design personalized 3D printed splints (3Dx Splint). The published research covers the initial step in 3Dx Splint development, focusing on the feasibility of obtaining accurate limb imaging – a crucial aspect for 3Dx Splint design. The team compared the efficacy of a newly introduced 3D camera system, SPENTYS, against the established 3dMD imaging system, focusing on their accuracy and repeatability in capturing 3D scans of the forearm. 

The study involved 17 healthy participants and utilized the SPENTYS system—a new portable platform that combines software with 3D cameras tailored for limb scanning. The research confirmed that both systems performed within acceptable accuracy thresholds, with SPENTYS showing a mean absolute difference of just 0.44 mm compared to the 3dMD system. This precision is critical for ensuring that the custom splints fit perfectly and function optimally. Moreover, this application can potentially be performed in established civilian medical settings as well as challenging military operational health care settings.
Feedback from professionals who used the SPENTYS system rated its usability highly, suggesting that it could be easily integrated into clinical workflows. This is pivotal for the adoption of 3D printed splints, as ease of use in a clinical setting is just as important as technical accuracy.

The implications of these findings are significant. By moving towards 3Dx Splints, healthcare providers can offer solutions that not only mitigate the common discomforts associated with traditional casts but also enhance patient mobility and quality of life. Also, from a military point of view, provide the wounded military operator with a solution that could potentially allow him or her to return to active duty with a 3Dx Slint. 
The team plans to continue refining this technology, with future studies likely focusing on broadening the range of injuries treated with personalized splints and enhancing the materials and technologies used in 3D printing.
This research not only represents a step forward in patient-specific treatment but also illustrates the potential of integrating advanced 3D imaging and printing technologies into military and everyday clinical practice. As this field evolves, it is expected that more patients will benefit from customized care that respects their individual needs and lifestyles. The promise of 3D technology in medicine is vast, and its application in extremity injuries could revolutionize how we think about and manage recovery from injuries.

Read the study here: Three-dimensional imaging of the forearm and hand: A comparison between two 3D imaging systems | PLOS Digital Health

Van Ginkel, L., Dupuis, L., Verhamme, L., Hermans, E., Maal, T. J. J., & Stirler, V. (2024). Three
dimensional imaging of the forearm and hand: A comparison between two 3D imaging
systems. PLOS Digital Health, 3(4), e0000458. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000458