
3D-printing is taking the world by storm that's set to become common and widespread in the future.
One Turkish industrial designer, Deniz Karasahin, has joined the growing list of 3D-printing innovators and created a 3D-printed cast.
Not just any cast, but one that harnesses a low intensity ultrasound system, known as LIPUS, for 20 minutes a day, which he claims will heal bones about 40% faster than conventional healing.
The healing rate of 'non-union' fractures, where the bones show no sign of improvement in 3-6 months, could be improved by up to 80%.
The cast is shaped in a lattice pattern and is filled with ventilation holes, which prevents the itching and smell of the traditional cast. The 3D-printed casts are water resistant, environmentally-friendly, slimmer, and lighter.
To ensure the perfect fit, the patient would have their injured limb 3D-scanned, analyzed using modelling software, and the cast would be custom printed based on the data.