- International Journal of 3D Printing Technologies and Digital Industry
- Vol: 2 Issue: 2
- PERSONAL CUSTOM HALLUX VALGUS SPLINT DESIGN FOR 3D PRINTER
PERSONAL CUSTOM HALLUX VALGUS SPLINT DESIGN FOR 3D PRINTER
Authors : Ahmet Ali Süzen, Ziya Yildiz, Kıyas Kayaalp, Osman Ceylan
Pages : 37-45
View : 17 | Download : 5
Publication Date : 2018-07-27
Article Type : Research
Abstract :Hallux valgus is a disease affecting the joint between the toe and the metacarpus to which the finger is attached. As a result of the angulation of the big toe, the joint with the metacarpus is pushed and a fluid retention occurs. This disease is rarely seen in societies without a shoe wearing habit, but it is likely to be seen in women wearing heels and narrow-nosed shoes. Splint, exercise and joint mobilization are applied in patients with hallux valgus that have not reached the surgical level. While it is sufficient for the patient to perform 2-3 sessions a day for exercise and joint mobilization, the patient has to use the splint during out of the period that covers his / her personal care needs. Splits in the market are produced in standard sizes. In the production of standard splints, parameters such as patient's foot size, hallux valgus grade, finger thickness and length, gender and age are not considered. Therefore, since the splints produced are not specific to the person, a desire to use them permanently does not come out for the users. This has an adverse effect on the healing process of the disease. In this study, a software was developed to create a splint model based on patient parameters in WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) platform. By entering parameters to the software such as patient's foot size, hallux valgus grade, finger thickness and length, creation of a personally customized splint design is provided. A standard splint model, which was previously designed in the 3D MAX program, is installed in the software. Later, according to the entered parameters of the patient, the splint is formed as customized for the individual. Thus, the patient's discomfort arising from the use of the splint disappears. Along with the continuous and regular use of splints, however, it appears that the healing process runs faster. A custom-designed splint and a splint produced by different techniques were compared in terms of production technique, material, cost and duration. According to this comparison, a custom splint produced by 3D printer provides advantages in terms of cost and production time. However, it seems that it does not have any advantage in terms of material and production techniques used.Keywords : 3D Printer, Splint, Hallux Valgus, 3D model, WPF