Title : Vibrotactile, thermoregulated, 3D printed smart cast for improved pain management and bone healing
Abstract:
It is an invention of a smart orthopaedic cast system that is particularly designed to promote and accelerate bone healing while reducing patient pain and discomfort during immobilization by embedding multiple Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs) positioned at distinct sites within the shell of the 3D printed cast designed using a digital scan of the patient’s limb those LRAs forma multi-channel vibrotactile array capable of delivering mechanical vibrations at ranges between 20-250 Hz.
Vibration frequency and amplitude are independently adjustable to target distinct physiological mechanisms like activation of beta nerve fibres and C-mechanoreceptors for antinociceptive pain relief, and low frequency stimulation that promote osteogenesis (bone healing).
It will also integrate thermoelectric heating and cooling elements to provide thermal therapy and swelling reduction. All these functions are governed by an embedded microcontroller system with a user friendly display and voice control interface.
