For customised prosthesis & orthosis under aegis of North Eastern Council
NEC PR
SHILLONG, September 16 2022: On the initiative of North Eastern Council (NEC) along with Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development towards Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), CRC-Shillong, under the administrative control of NIEPMD, Chennai Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) , Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with Assam Electronic Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON), Guwahati – a live Demo – Digital of Prosthetic in the Conference Hall of NEC.
After witnessing the live Demo, NEC felt that along with partners, the initiative be taken forward. CRC, Shillong was accordingly requested to select some beneficiaries for case study. Two beneficiaries were finalized to be provided with Custom 3D Scanner Printing Prosthetics with help of AMTRON and National Institution under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India (NIEPMD), Chennai,
On August 28, Rehabilitation Officer of CRC- Shillong along with the 2 (two) beneficiaries from Meghalaya and one escort embarked on a journey to NIEPMD, Chennai. In the beginning, the patients had a number of questions. Both the patients were amputation of legs cases.
Based on the digital scanning carried out by AMTRON at NEC, Shillong, the data was provided to P & O Officers of NIEPMD, Chennai for detailed designing of the sockets (includes expert involvement for pressure point markings and weight discharge) for final approved digital design and thereafter the sockets for the patients were printed using 3D Scanner Printing Technology.
3D Scanner Printed prosthetic generally involves 3D Printing of the prosthetic socket and rest of the prosthetic parts like Pylon and Feet are manufactured traditionally. Only the 3D printed socket is fitted into the Pylon as per the pic below.
Post fitment, the Divyangjan Beneficiaries were given the needful instructions by physiotherapist and occupational therapist including the relevant exercises for its optimal use in day to day life.
On September 5 both Amputee were fitted with 3d Printed socket prosthesis and the beneficiaries were amazed to see that the device fitted excellently well, besides the highly enhanced comfort and much better walk. Before leaving NEIPMD, Chennai, all further queries were answered to the full satisfaction of the Divyangjan beneficiaries.
They expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for mobility given due to deployment of 3D printing technology that happened due to efforts of NEC, Compiosite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of persons with Disabilities (CRC), Shillong under the administrative control of NIEPMD, Chennai Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) , Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and AMTRON.
They reached back home safely in Meghalaya on September 6. This experience and initiative have proved and opened to a whole new world for Divyangjan persons as well as those suffering from temporary disability / trauma cases wherein 3D Printing Technology / Industry 4.0 applications can help them overcome disabilities by use of customised prosthesis and orthosis / assistive devices which were earlier a pipedream.
The solution demonstrated under the aegis if NEC enables capturing & generating accurate digital data regarding geometry/ shape of patients stump without the need for the patient undertaking repeat visit to assessment centers. This shall not only reduce Out of Pocket Expenses for Divyangjans but the digital repository so created can be used for both trend analysis as well as improving the quality of Continuous Medical Education for Prosthetist or Orthotist as well as other stakeholders. The prosthesis / orthosis / assistive devices can be provided having custom fit within much shorter time.
3D scanner printing and other related Technologies will usher in meeting challenges of health care needs with speed, precision and remarkable enhanced solutions not witnessed so far. Hereafter, NEC intends to engage with concerned Ministry, NER States and suitable Institutions like AMTRON to use the technology for covering persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) beneficiaries all across Meghalaya and other States of NER.