A personalized approach to modify axillary crutches using 3D printing technology

Abstract

3D printers can produce specific medical objects that are tailored to the individual patient's needs, and if they are combined with a personalized orthopedic rehabilitation, it can result in improved functional outcomes. We present a 26-year-old male war victim with multiple injuries in his lower and upper limbs. The use of standard crutches was impossible, so we developed a customized 3D-printed crutch with a relative low cost. The gait and balance scores—as a part of the Tinetti score—improved immediately, and the patient's QUEST 2.0 questionnaire was high after 4 weeks of the crutches use, indicating high patient's satisfaction.

Keywords

• Customization
• Walking aid
• 3D printing
• Patient-centered approach
• Quality of life
• Low resources