3D printers have been a revolution in the world of technology. These machines allow us to create almost any type of object that we want, even for domestic use. In a way as simple as designing the object we want in a program, we will only need to have a 3D printer at home to do the rest of the work.
They have also been a novelty in the world of prosthetics, since with 3D printing artificial areas of the body can be created that are of great help to all those who need them.
Recently 3D printing “saved” the Dutch field hockey team. Its captain Eva de Goede broke her wrist less than two months before the start of the European championship in this sport. This tournament was held between June 5 and 13 in the Netherlands, where a total of eight teams fought for the European title.
Total effectiveness
These types of fractures can take weeks or even months to heal. In the case of a professional athlete, such a long recovery time does not go through their options on the eve of such an important tournament. In addition, the loss of the captain would have put the Dutch team in serious problems when it comes to playing their matches.
Therefore, the player decided to opt for a prosthesis made with a 3D printer that allowed her to play the tournament and even win it, managing to even score three goals during the championship and being named the best player of the tournament.
In order to speed up recovery from the fracture, de Goede collaborated with a physiotherapy specialist at Maasstad Hospital. He also contacted the company in charge of 3D printing the wrist prosthesis.
Comfort and flexibility, keys
To make the wristband in detail and according to the measurements of the player’s arm, scans of her hand were made. Once the scan was carried out, the structure of the prosthesis could be changed in a program in order to make it more comfortable and thus be as little discomfort as possible during matches.
It was a complex procedure since these prostheses must be well fixed to prevent the damaged area from moving, in addition to having flexibility that increases well-being. Finally, the harmony between comfort, adaptability and vitality was found.
The player hopes to continue using this prosthesis that has worked so well for her during the next Olympic Games and encourages all those athletes with injuries to use this type of technology so as not to miss the big events.
