By Kristine Paragas, OTR/L, Rose Villa Healthcare Center, Bellflower, CA
“Innovative healthcare does not wait for change; they lead change. Medical facilities want to be at the forefront of 3D scanning and printing innovations, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness with the primary goal in mind — to help their patients heal from injuries and prevent their recurrence with superior results.”
— XO Armor
Objective
3D printing has been used to create splints and adaptive devices in the healthcare field to benefit
patients. Rose Villa Healthcare Center is one of four Ensign buildings currently trialing a pilot program for the use of 3D printing to create splints in collaboration with XO Armor. The company uses polylactic acid, a recyclable, natural, thermoplastic polyester made of renewable sources that is biodegradable and low-toxicity. It is sturdy, durable, and maintains its shape.
One of the patients we created orthotics for in our facility was a CVA patient with R-sided weakness.
The Therapy team created an R-resting hand splint and an R AFO.
The splint was modified using the XO Armor-provided tools (e.g., a heat gun) to increase comfortability and to prevent pressure areas.
The R-resting hand splint also helps position fingers and preserves the flexor tendon extensibility at rest.
The R AFO promotes dorsiflexion and helps during patient ambulation.
The patient reports, “I like wearing my hand splint because it helps me manage and lift my hand when I
need to move around in the wheelchair.”
Benefits:
Custom fit for patient with no need for molding
Reimbursable through insurance
Payment goes straight to the facility, decreasing the need for third-party orthotic companies
Limitations:
Difficulties with scanning body parts, especially if the patient has contractures
May require multiple scans if scanning does not process properly
Printer may require troubleshooting
Future Plan
Continue to trial the use of the 3D printer with patients and analyze benefits and limitations
Continue to train therapists to be champions in the facility
Look into obtaining a DME license to be able to bill for orthotics via the facility
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