Can a 3D scanner help in healthcare?

The healthcare industry can take advantage of the solution using -3D scanner- to enhance accurate diagnosis and treatment. Arguably, the most impactful uses involve custom prosthetics and orthotics. One such example is a world leader in prosthetics, Ottobock, that designs personalized prosthetic limbs for patients who suffered from amputations using 3D scanning. They provide a more elegant, comfortable fit than their mass-produced counterparts, making a significant difference to the patient's quality of life. A study, published in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, showed that patients wearing 3D printed prosthetics have seen their comfort levels and overall satisfaction increase by as much as 30%

Planning and execution of complex surgical procedures is another area where 3D scanning technology can effectively be used. Surgeons create exact models of the patient’s organs or bones with cost-effective, convenient equipment for pre-operative planning. Singapore General Hospital, for instance, used a 3D printed model of a patient’s skull, allowing them to plan out a complex neurosurgery ahead of time that ultimately reduced surgery time by about 20% and drastically minimized the risk of complications. Scanning a 3d model at their disposal, the medical team could anticipate the procedure better than traditional imaging like CT scans or MRIs allows.

In addition, 3D scanning helps with dental improvements by producing precise models of patients' teeth for restorative dental work (crowns, bridges, or implants) by dentists. According to a 2021 study from The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, digital scanning using 3D technology has reduced the design and fabrication of dental implants by 50%. The use of 3D scanning streamlines the process, saving the patient time and potentially cost in the traditional methods that incur waiting times and charge for physical molds and multiple appointments.

One of the most important advantages of 3D scanning in healthcare is that it can lead to better-advanced personalized medicine. Just as scanning and modeling a patient’s anatomy can allow doctors to formulate customized treatments or devices tailored to one’s individual body structure, 3-D printing can be used to fabricate those personalized medical solutions. Orthopedic surgeons widely employ this technology to fabricate bone-like implants tailored to fit an individual patient. As a matter of fact, according to a report by Stryker company, a global leader in medical technology, the demand for 3D-printed joint implants increased by 15% over the last five years because of enhanced accuracy and improved patient outcomes.

3D scanning paved the way for us to deliver treatments that are genuinely bespoke, resulting in faster recoveries and improved outcomes for patients.” - Dr. David A. Jaffrey, Orthopedic Surgeon This quote exemplifies the pivotal transformation which 3D scanning brings forth to medical practices such as improving diagnoses to customizing care for each patient.

Ultimately, a 3d scanner is an asset in healthcare, providing beneficial aspects like making customized prosthetics, surgical methods, jaw treatments, and personalized treatments. The revolution in the medical field that 3D scanning is bringing, thanks to its speed, precision, and adaptability, is transforming healthcare into a more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centered service.

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