Evaluation of the patient satisfaction of using a 3D printed medical casting in fracture treatment
Serkan Surucu1
, Mahmud Aydın2, Ahmet Güray Batma3, Deniz Karaşahin4, Mahir Mahiroğulları3
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Horasan State Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
2Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
3Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Memorial Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
4Istanbul Technical University, Industrial Design, Istanbul, Turkey
Keywords: Fracture treatment, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, 3D printed medical cast.
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to assess, through a questionnaire, the functionality, and efficacy of using three-dimensional (3D) printed medical casts.
Patients and methods: Between February 2017 and March 2019, a total of 24 patients (14 males, 10 females; mean age: 33.1±9.4 years, range, 12 to 62 years) with upper extremity fracture who were applied 3D printed medical cast were included. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 (QUEST 2.0). Each item is scored on a five-point scale.
Results: The mean follow-up was 14 (range, 6 to 18) months. All fractures healed within four to six weeks without any complications. In all cases, there was no loss of reduction. The total mean QUEST 2.0 satisfaction score for the participants was 4.7. The ratings on each scale ranged from 4.5 to 4.9.
Conclusion: Almost all patients with upper extremity fractures were satisfied with the 3D printed medical cast. The patients found the 3D printed medical cast to be comfortable, safe, easy-to-apply, lightweight, and effective.
Citation: Surucu S, Aydın M, Batmaz AG, Karaşahin D, Mahiroğulları M. Evaluation of the patient satisfaction of using a 3D printed medical casting in fracture treatment. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2022;33(1):180-186.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.