Customized Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis Patient Using 3D Printing A Customized Knee Brace Using 3D Printing : A Customized Knee Brace Using 3D Printing

Study aim: Osteoarthritis is a progressive loss of articular cartilage in the synovial joint. There will be friction in between two bones resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and pain in joints like hands, fingers, hips, lower spine region, and knee joints. A knee brace is a tool that manages the discomfort; it shifts the body weight off from the damaged knee portion which results in reducing the pain. This research aims to build one such impactful model using the 3D printing method. Materials & Methods: Solid scape rapid prototype systems were used in conjunction with three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software to generate physical models of designs that can be directly investment-cast or used as masters for room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone molding. Results: This design is capable of withstanding a static load of 60kg and a displacement load of 100kg in software simulation. Conclusion: The customized design and selective 3D printing filament are advantages of the brace which will provide structural strength and reduce the pain from the joints. This brace will help to bypass the body load at knee joints; hence the knee joints will be prevented from the direct load of body weight.