Science brings 3-D printing to help those with mobility problems

3-d printing shop

The new technology of 3-D printing has enabled the printing of everything from houses to household items of various types.  It is also the fast-moving science that is enabling people who have hip injuries to walk again through 3-D printed hip implants.

It is the kind of futuristic technology reported by the cutting edge technology magazine called Gizmag that is being applauded by the medical profession as the aging of the population has brought about the need to prolong life and function.

An organization called Mobelife has enabled a young Swedish girl to walk who had been confined to a wheelchair much of her life.  She had a congenital disease that had developed on the peripheral nervous system, causing damage to the pelvis.  She required a hip plant, and doctors feared she would never walk again.  But a hip implant designed by Mobelife has brought mobility to the young girl, revealing the great value of the emerging technology of 3-D printing to people with disabilities.

Technology continues to be developed to help people with mobility issues.   This can be furniture, ramps, keyboard access and a host of devices.   Much of the work is done by universities, allowing the training and research necessary to develop new ways of helping people way and perform activities of daily living, thereby allowing independence to those who need to live at home and perform socially and in the workplace.