3D-printed material with ultrasound should heal fractures faster

Scientists and designers have developed a mold that includes a system that emits ultrasonic sound. The material has been developed with a 3D printer and is intended to become an alternative to plaster in the healing of bone fractures.

The concept was initially developed by scientists at the Victoria University of Wellington. A modified version, which includes a system to emit ultrasound, was created by designer Deniz Karasahin, reports the A’ Design Award website where the concept was submitted. The mold developed can be worn around the arm in the event of a bone fracture and is considerably lighter than plaster, according to the maker.

A second advantage of the system, which is called Osteoid, is that it can emit ultrasonic sound. A so-called low-intensity pulsed ultrasound system has been built in for this. The purpose of this is to promote bone healing; this could be up to 80 percent faster than with conventional plaster.

The Osteoid can be printed in different colors. A 3D scan of the arm is made for each patient to determine the required shape of the material. For the time being, this is a concept, for which it is still unclear whether and when this can be brought onto the market.