Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Middle East Foam & Polyurethane
  • UTECH Asia/PU China
  • UTECH Europe
  • UTECH Las Americas
Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Ukraine
  • News
    • Asia
    • Americas
    • Europe
    • M & A
    • Financial results
    • Automotive
  • Data
  • Information
    • Country Overview
    • Market Sector overviews
    • Technical articles
    • Company profiles and strategies
  • Events
    • Exhibitions
    • Conferences
    • Webinars / Livestreams
    • Become a Speaker
    • UTECH Europe 2021
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Issues
  • Subscribe
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
June 03, 2019 12:00 AM

Polyurethane bones aid hand surgery training

Sarah Houlton
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    Winnipeg, Manitoba – A 3D printed hand model has been developed by plastic surgeons in Canada to teach hand pinning. The realistic model allows young surgeons to practise before they operate on patients.

    A surgical pin is placed into a bone visible under the skin of the hand model. Photo: CNW Group/The University of Manitoba Section of Plastic Surgery

    It is often possible to treat hand fractures without large incisions by placing metal pins through the skin. It has to be done by feel, as the pin cannot be seen once it enters the skin.

    ‘To help teach young surgeons these skills, we created a realistic three-dimensional model with bones which can be drilled into,’ said Christian Petropolis, a plastic surgeon and pioneer of the technology. ‘We made the joints all mobile as they would be in a real hand, but the skin is translucent so that young surgeons can better gain an appreciation for the wires once they enter the skin.’

    The 3D-printed silicone hand includes several common hand fractures. The bones are made from polyurethane, sourced from Pennsylvania-based Smooth-On, and incorporate 10% iron powder by weight. This renders them radio-opaque so they show up on X-rays.

    The hands cost about $50 each to make. Initial feedback from both surgeons and trainees has been very favourable.

     

    Recommended for You
    Buxton Town Centre
    Here's to you, Simon Robinson
    freitag-covestro-circular-truck-tarp
    TPU powers Freitag’s circular ambition
    Owens Corning expands into spray foam
    Owens Corning expands into spray foam
    Latest Issue
    April/May 2022 issue
    Click HERE for Free Download
    View All Archives
    Get our newsletters

    Breaking news and in-depth coverage of essential topics delivered straight to your inbox.

    Subscribe today

    Register to access our archive of leading information on the polyurethanes industry.

    Subscribe now
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube

    Follow us on social media for the latest polyurethanes industry news and event updates.

    Logo
    Contact Us

    Crain Communications
    11, Ironmonger Lane
    London
    EC2V 8EY
    United Kingdom

    Editorial
    Phone +44 (0) 20 3287 5935
    Email click to send

    Customer Service
    Phone +1 313 446 0450
    Email click to send

    Resources
    • Advertise with Us
    • Media Kit
    • Staff
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • Ukraine
    • News
      • Asia
      • Americas
      • Europe
      • M & A
      • Financial results
      • Automotive
    • Data
    • Information
      • Country Overview
      • Market Sector overviews
      • Technical articles
      • Company profiles and strategies
    • Events
      • Exhibitions
      • Conferences
      • Webinars / Livestreams
      • Become a Speaker
      • UTECH Europe 2021
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Issues
    • Subscribe