Phalanx fractures and dislocations are common injuries. They happen usually in the event of falls or accidents or in more severe cases, crushing of the finger by heavy objects. The treatment procedures normally involve non-operative treatments with splints and braces to immobilize the joints involved. Patients often complain of discomfort caused by braces used in this fracture treatment. The braces are often heavy and irritate the skin.

This project includes the design and production of lightweight and skin friendly finger braces that are easy-to produce (preferably by 3D Printing). After production, the product is tested by a series of patients and assessments are done on patient's convenience with the products.

Purpose

The purpose of designing and producing this lightweight and skin friendly finger braces, is to allow fracture patients have a less stressful treatment process. These braces are designed to be lighter (which means the fractured fingers won't become permanently disfigured due to weight of the treatment process). These braces are designed to be 3D Printed so they are expected to be faster to produce and also use non-skin irritating materials (Plaster of Paris irritates the skin, PLA doesn't).

Solution

The design employs design for additive manufacturing techniques (like generative design and more fluid curves) to reduce product weight and also cut production time as much as possible. I would use more accurate generative design tools to further optimize the product's strength and further reduce weight.

Audience

Primary audience: Everybody who has a finger that can be broken. Secondary audience: Medical personnel who treat fractures and will like to consider a well-designed fracture treatment process for their patients.