Personalized 3D-printed forearm braces as an alternative for a traditional plaster cast or splint; a systematic review

Forearm fractures such as distal radius fractures are traditionally treated with a plaster or synthetic cast. Patients commonly report inconvenience of the cast, skin problems, and occasionally radial sensory nerve numbness. A known issue with casting is that the rate of secondary dislocation is high. As an alternative to casts, personalized 3D-printed braces are increasingly used. This review provides an inventory of current developments and experience with 3D-printed forearm braces. Main focus was on the design requirements, materials used, technical requirements, and preclinical and clinical results.

Source: Injury - July 13, 2022 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Esther M.M. Van Lieshout, Michael H.J. Verhofstad, Linda M. Beens, Julienne J.J. Van Bekkum, Fleur Willemsen, Heinrich M.J. Janzing, Mark G. Van Vledder Source Type: research