In New Mexico, the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand, who are very much interested in hand and wrist joint replacements, gave the University of New Mexico’s Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Research Division a $20,000 grant for their 3D printing project. This adds to current funding from a University of New Mexico Women in STEM award. Researchers are working on solving problems with ligament repair or replacement which are challenging since it combines bone with soft tissue. 3D printing seems promising to solve some of these issues as the new technology can use a patient’s bone structure as a blueprint, allowing the creation of a very customized engineered replacement. It also speeds up patient’s recovery time since they don’t need to deal with bone grafting and suturing. For many who rely on their hands to function in every day life and work, this is a game changer.
