Turk J Med Sci. 2021 Jun 27. doi: 10.3906/sag-2104-170. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: We evaluated the feasibility of producing splints with 3D printer technology to prevent contractures in burned children in our clinical prospective study.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: After approvals, children with burns greater than 2nd degree were included in the study. Age, gender, burn percentages, printing time, filament types, number of filament trials, splint suitability, patient and doctor comments, pre-clinical clinical trials? significances and financial impact were evaluated statistically.
RESULTS: Seventy-six trials were conducted on 18 patients. Fourteen of the patients are male and 4 are female. Average age of boys and girls are 5 and 3 respectively. Burn percentage was 36,9±13. PLAFlex, PolyFlex, nGenFlex, TPU were the main filaments that were used in the study. Printing time differs from 4 to 29 hours according to body regions. Splints were suitable for 81,25% in upper extremity, for 66,7% in lower extremity and for 100% in mouth. Burn percentage was significantly correlated with total number of filament (p=0,049). Other statistical evaluations were insignificant.
CONCLUSION: The 3D printer seems to be useful in children with burns. However, there difficulties caused by some reasons like production must be overcome. By increasing clinical experience, this emerging custom-made technology may become standard, and documented problems can be solved.
PMID:34174795 | DOI:10.3906/sag-2104-170
