Arthritis patients do not use the wrist splints that are in current use as often as they should as they find them "ugly, bulky, and (ones that) can make a patient's arm sweat".
This may change soon as a lecturer at Britain-based based Loughborough University has developed a computer software concept that can help print splints that are not only more comfortable and attractive but potentially cheaper than those in current use.
The splints, which provide joint protection and rest and promote pain relief, could be a major boost for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, said Abby Paterson, from Loughborough University.
The splints are made by scanning a patient's arm in the appropriate position.
A 3D model splint is then designed based on the scan to generate a computer model.
The 3D printer can then produce as many splints as are needed at the touch of a button.
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They can be of any colour, feature multiple materials, and have a lattice design to aid ventilation and any type of fastening the patient requires.
The software may enable even clinicians with no experience in Computer Aided Design (CAD) to design and make custom-made 3D printed wrist splints for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
"I wanted to give clinicians the ability to make splints that they have not been able to make before," Paterson added.