Changing Lives in Developing Countries with 3D Printed Prosthetics
Wherever 3D printing technology goes in the world, it always offers endless new possibilities! The Victoria Hand Project creates customized prosthetics for amputees in developing countries, using Ultimaker 3D printers to make the process more efficient and cost-effective. Below, we'll delve into more details about the Victoria Hand Project and the unique challenges it faces.
Prosthetic Creation Before 3D Printing
Before the development of 3D printing, creating prosthetics for people in developing countries was very challenging. Communities in remote areas meant that importing materials was expensive. Furthermore, a lack of resources and difficult working conditions also made it hard to create suitable prosthetics. Nepal is just one example.
Before the Victoria Hand Project began, 72.5% of Nepalese amputees did not have access to prosthetics.
Disabled individuals have high expectations for prosthetists and prosthetics themselves because they have seen what's available online and have equally high expectations in their own countries. However, the feasibility is extremely low, and 80% of people typically cannot afford such high-tech prosthetics. 80% of the disabled population in Nepal lives in poorer areas, and healthcare professionals also have limited resources for rehabilitation management.
Similarly, while prosthetic hands are readily available in Cambodia, they are often used purely for cosmetic purposes and cannot perform more practical functions. For example, many farmers have lost limbs due to landmines or other munitions and choose not to get replacement limbs due to a lack of functionality.
The Victoria Hand Project
After receiving an award from Grand Challenges Canada, the Victoria Hand Project team was finally able to provide 3D printed prosthetics to people in developing countries. They are now using 3D printing technology to create customized prosthetics for amputees. Ultimaker also donated four Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers to help them achieve their goals!
Here are some places where they are making a difference:
● Cambodia. One of Victoria Hand’s newest partners is Arc Hub PNH in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Angie MacDonald and Josh Coutts work on the campus of the Royal University of Fine Arts and collaborate with Arc Hub PNH to provide not only prosthetics to locals but also design and manufacturing services to the capital.
● Nepal. In Kathmandu, Nepal, Michael Peirone trains clinicians and engineering students at the Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital. Their partner, Limb Care Nepal, has hosted several user trials, greatly assisting in the improvement of prosthetic design.
Benefits of 3D Printing
The Victoria Hand Project's embrace of 3D printing offers an ideal solution for amputees in developing countries. This technology provides numerous advantages:
● "Local" Creation. Prosthetics can be printed in the same country instead of being manufactured abroad at considerable cost and then shipped to developing countries. This means faster delivery and significantly lower costs.
● Low Cost, High Efficiency. 3D printing reduces the need for expensive manufacturing equipment (e.g., injection molding machines, milling machines, and lathes).
● Replacement Parts. Replacement parts, tools, and medical equipment can be created using a 3D printer and plastic materials instead of spending a lot of money on imports.
● Customized Design. All prosthetics can be customized according to the user, including aesthetic factors such as skin tone.
● Design Validation. 3D printing makes the process of validating design concepts faster and more cost-effective.
● Mobility. 3D printers can be easily moved, meaning more amputees can benefit from 3D printing technology.
● Functionality. 3D printed limb designs can be easily modified and reinforced, providing amputees with a better range of motion.
The team also highlighted several other benefits of 3D printing technology. For example, the team working in Cambodia uses their 3D printers to build large models of unexploded ordnance to demonstrate how to safely defuse explosive threats.
New design concepts can be developed anywhere in the world, then sent to those who need them and printed instantly. This fast and efficient 3D printing technology chain creates a borderless technological world. This innovative and exciting approach connects global societies and encourages broader cooperation.
Challenges Faced
Throughout its development, the Victoria Hand Project has faced many challenges, including training local clinicians and carrying out production through 3D printing.
The most critical obstacle is the lack of awareness. Often, people in developing countries are not familiar with 3D printers and do not have computers to access technological information. The Victoria Hand team needs to ensure they target suitable talent for training. For example, in Nepal, they train engineering students because these students already have rich experience in using engineering tools and computer programming.
Some problems also arise due to local characteristics. In Kathmandu, power outages are a common occurrence, happening at least once a day. To ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the 3D printers, a new power source needed to be established. This was finally achieved, allowing the team to overcome a major hurdle!
Occasionally, local attitudes and perceptions towards prosthetics can also be an issue. For example, in Nepal, some people believe that disability is a punishment from God for sins committed in a previous life. Therefore, these people are unwilling to wear visible prosthetics. Furthermore, some people would rather have a visually appealing prosthetic than one that offers good functionality. The Nepalese government is collaborating with the Victoria Hand Project to find people in need for the project, helping the people of Nepal to have a broader perspective on wearing prosthetics.
Local Support
According to the team, the government and local people were very supportive from the beginning and excited about the potential benefits for their communities and the entire country. Initially, there wasn't much awareness among the people and the government - but social media is greatly promoting 3D printing technology, reaching more places. The Victoria Hand Project also collaborates with the government to help them find suitable individuals from government databases.
The Victoria Hand Project team continues to do outstanding work around the world, but still needs support to achieve its goals. If you want to learn more about the project's current status or wish to donate, please click here. Or, share to let more people know about the Victoria Hand Project!
Original text:https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/30886-changing-lives-in-developing-countries-with-3d-printed-prosthetics
[3D Printing News] A Medical Savior for Developing Countries - 3D Printed Prosthetics