Jun 3, 2015 | By Simon
Although we’ve heard numerous stories about how 3D printing has helped enable hundreds of those in need of prosthetic limbs, a majority of the cases have been located in the United States or the United Kingdom where 3D printers or 3D printing providers are becoming increasingly common and access to a 3D printer is getting easier than ever before. While this is excellent news, there are still many world locations where affordable prosthetic devices - and even 3d printers in general - are needed and could be used perhaps even more than those located in more developed Western countries.
In the meantime - thankfully - various organizations and 3D printing providers have been picking up 3D printing jobs as needed to ensure that those who need the prosthetic devices the most are getting the proper care that they need. More recently, the University of Toronto and charity Christian Blind Mission took it upon themselves to produce prostheses for a Ugandan schoolboy who had been in need of a prosthetic device for years.
The schoolboy, Jesse Ayebazibwe of Kisubi, Uganda, tragically had his right leg amputated after he was hit by a truck after walking home from school three years ago. Since then, the nine-year-old has been maneuvering with the aid of crutches - however they have since made it difficult to play or move around. "I liked playing like a normal kid before the accident," he said.
Thanks to the support of a local orthopaedic technologist, Moses Kaweesa of the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CoRSU) in Uganda, Ayebazibwe was able to use an infrared scanner and some 3D modeling software to create a prosthetic solution for the young boy before shipping the files to Canada to be 3D printed.
"The process is quite short, that's the beauty of the 3D printers,” said Kaweesa. "Jesse was here yesterday, today he's being fitted."
While Ayebazibwe previously wore a traditional-style prosthesis last year, his new 3D printed prosthesis is among the first in a trial that could see more 3D printed prosthetic device across Uganda for others in need - thanks in no small part to the efforts of Kaweesa.
Currently, the entire country of Uganda has just 12 trained prosthetic technicians for over 250,000 children who have lost limbs, which are often due to fires or congenital diseases. At $12,000, a portable solution consisting of a laptop, a 3d scanner and a 3d printer is not cheap - however when considering the impact that a portable prosthetic device system could have on over 200,000 children in need - in northern Uganda alone, many people have lost limbs due to decades of war where chopping off limbs was a common reality.
"There's no support from the government for disabled people … we have a disability department and a minister for disabled people, but they don't do anything," said Kaweesa. "You can travel with your laptop and scanner."
Upon receiving his 3D printed prosthetic, Ayebazibwe was clearly ecstatic. "(It) felt good, like my normal leg," he said. "I can do anything now -- run and play football."
The boy's 53-year old grandmother, Florence Akoth, looks after him, even carrying him the two kilometers to school after his leg was crushed and his life shattered. She too is thrilled.
"Now he's liked at school, plays, does work, collects firewood and water," said Akoth.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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