Goodbye cast, hello ultralight corn starch splint

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Are we soon done with the traditional cast to repair a broken leg? Maybe, thanks to an ultralight, biodegradable plastic splint made with cornstarch. This innovation launched by a start-up from Arles was presented at the beginning of January at the CES in Las Vegas. #TheyHaveTheSolution

Is the traditional cast on a fractured arm or leg on the way out? A start-up from Arles has designed, with the help of specialized doctors and immobilized patients, a splint that can replace it, light, honeycombed and adjustable. The cells allow the skin to breathe and avoid maceration of immobilized parts. So the itching is over. No more plaster weight, make way for ultra lightness!

The positive side: the weight. Nadine, she had front boots, it hurt her back. It was impossible.

Jean Michel Laporte

Gypsotherapeutist

This “new generation” splint is therefore very practical and comfortable. It has been tested on more than 200 patients of all ages at Arles Hospital, in collaboration with an orthopedic surgeon. These orthoses are 3D printed to adapt even better to different morphologies.

The material used for its manufacture is none other than a biodegradable plastic: polylactic acid, also called PLA, obtained from corn starch. This water-resistant plastic allows patients to practice balneotherapy for faster healing.

It’s PLA. It is a material that is based on corn starch so it is a bio-sourced plastic that is used in particular in cosmetic surgery.

Quentin Fabré

Skincast production manager

The Arles start-up had been selected to participate in the mythical Las Vegas innovation fair which has just ended.

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