Facility for artificial limb manufacture inaugurated

H. Vinod Bhat, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, inaugurated the 3D printing (manufacturing) facility for artificial limb manufacturing at ‘Hastha,’ Department of Orthopaedics, Kasturba Hospital, on July 20.

Hastha, the Centre for Congenital Hand Differences was established under Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) through the unit of Hand and Microsurgery at the Department of Orthopaedics, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital.

The 3D printable prosthetics are revolutionising manufacturing artificial limbs especially for children. They help developing prosthesis that are customizable and affordable. The prostheses can be task specific and the child can have many for each task such as for activities of daily living, playing or for school work.

Can be customised

The prostheses were customizable to any level of amputation whether above elbow, below elbow or even with the absence or shortening of fingers. The prosthesis takes few hours to print in the machine, was presently mechanical in nature, light weight, and came with many colour and could be easily altered in shape and size.

These prostheses will be printed through Hastha the Centre for Congenital Hand Differences at Artificial Limb Centre here. The parents of children requiring such prostheses can contact the Orthopaedic OPD, Kasturba Hospital or call: 0820 2922231.