University of Toronto Associate Professor Matt Ratto and CoRSU orthopedic technologist review a 3D PrintAbility Socket. Photograph courtesy of Nia Technologies.
Canadian nonprofit social enterprise Nia Technologies will integrate Vorum’s Canfit 3D design software into its 3D PrintAbility solution. 3D PrintAbility combines low-cost 3D scanning, design, and printing components to provide prosthetists with a new set of orthopedic tools. It has the potential to reduce the time required to produce customized O&P devices for children in the developing world from about a week to less than two days, according to a press release. Nia Technologies is supported by cbm Canada; Grand Challenges Canada; the University of Toronto, Canada; Autodesk Research, Toronto; and Stronger Together, and is partnered with Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU), Kisubi.
Clinical trials of 3D PrintAbility transtibial prosthetic sockets and AFOs are scheduled to begin this spring at CoRSU. It is estimated that there are only 12 practicing orthopedic technologists in Uganda to serve over 90,000 children with disabilities who are in need of O&P devices.
