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Low cost 3D printed clamps for external fixator for developing countries: a biomechanical study.
Felix J Landaeta1, Jose Nauaki Shiozawa2, Arthur Erdman3
1Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 95, G217 Mayo Building, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. flandaet@umn.edu.
3D Printing in Medicine
|October 23, 2020
Summary
A novel, low-cost external fixation device using 3D printed clamps demonstrates biomechanical properties comparable to existing clinical options. This innovation addresses the need for affordable limb reconstruction in developing countries, pending further safety validation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
Background:
- External fixation is a critical limb reconstruction technique, particularly for trauma in developing nations.
- High costs and complexity limit access to effective external fixation devices in resource-limited settings.
- A novel, inexpensive unilateral external fixator was developed using 3D printed clamps and accessible components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the biomechanical properties of a novel, low-cost external fixator with 3D printed clamps.
- To compare the fixator's performance against established ASTM F1541 standards.
- To evaluate the suitability of the design for use in developing countries.
Main Methods:
- Biomechanical testing according to ASTM F1541 standards, including axial compression and bending (AP and ML).
- Utilized 3D printed clamps (chopped carbon fiber) and a novel unilateral fixator.
- Applied loads up to 750 N or 6 mm deformation, measuring force and deformation data.
Main Results:
- The novel fixator exhibited axial compression rigidity of 246.12 N/mm and bending rigidities of 35.98 N/mm (AP) and 39.60 N/mm (ML).
- 3D printed clamps showed minimal, proportional shrinkage (up to 2.6%) after autoclaving.
- Biomechanical properties were found to be comparable to existing clinical external fixators.
Conclusions:
- The novel 3D printed external fixator offers biomechanical performance comparable to current clinical devices.
- The low cost and use of readily available components make it a viable solution for developing countries.
- Further clinical validation is required to ensure efficacy and safety before deployment.
