Michigan Researchers use 3D Printing to Aid Arthritis Patients at Low Costs

A group of researchers and students at Michigan Technological University have recently used 3D printing to create adaptive aids for those with arthritis at reduced costs. These devices are designed to help people perform routine activities such as putting on clothes or opening doors, and do so at a cost well below current alternatives.

With the CDC estimating roughly one quarter of the US population suffering from arthritis, demand for tools that assist daily activities is high. The inflammatory joint disease causes great discomfort in many tasks, and can lead to increased spending on medical expenses. With 3D printing’s ability to generate customized plastic products at a low cost, it is a perfect candidate for assisting those with arthritis.

“It never ceases to amaze me what a small piece of plastic sells for,” said Joshua Pearce, the Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech. “Anyone who needs an adaptive aid for arthritis should be 3-D printing it.”

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Pearce and his class decided to implement this technique. He is now both the co-author and corresponding researcher of a new study analyzing how twenty of these 3D printed assistance devices experience large cost reductions and improve standards of living. Published in Geriatrics, the study was co-authored by student researcher Nicole Gallup and orthopedic surgeon Jennifer Bow.

“We printed and analyzed 20 different products and each one has a great return on investment, even for people who can use insurance to purchase adaptive aids with a co-pay, and a printer pays for itself easily,” explained Pearce. “It’s a slam dunk — but the question becomes, how do people get these aids?”

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The 3D printed versions of these aids are highly customizable in addition to inexpensive. Dr. Bow recommended that students examine adaptive aids because this aspect of customization of 3D printing could help her arthritic patients and many others. The Makers Making Change group approached Pearce because they wanted to improve their existing device designs. The group was seeking to shrink, expand, and alter different devices hand sizes and grip strengths.

“This is the difference between needing to go to someone to get your nails cut and being able to do your own, which, yes, there’s cost savings, but it’s also personal pride and being able to take care of yourself,” said Pearce. “And if your only problem is that the standard nail clipper is too tiny, we can fix that.”

Pearce views venues such as nursing homes, therapy clinics, and doctors’ offices as prime locations for 3D printing adaptive aids. Local libraries can also provide access to 3D printing apparatus, as well as designs and trained individuals at a fee covering plastic and printing costs.

Sources: MedGadget, ScienceDaily