Every year, six million people in the United States break a bone [1]. Recovering from a break can be a lengthy and uncomfortable process, often involving wearing a heavy, itchy cast. Fortunately, a group of engineering students in Chicago are revolutionizing the way broken bones are treated.
Recovery from a Break
To heal from a bone break, the body requires good blood supply, stabilization, and new tissue formation [2]. In more severe cases, a full cast made from either plaster or fiberglass is necessary to stabilize the bone and allow it to heal [3]. However, traditional casts can be cumbersome, itchy, and inconvenient to wear [3].
The Innovation
Three students from the University of Illinois founded Cast21, a startup that has developed a lightweight, waterproof arm cast that is also breathable and comes in a variety of colors [7]. The cast can be applied in less than ten minutes and is made of moldable resins that harden quickly, making it more comfortable for patients and easier for physicians to use [5].
The Benefits
Traditional casts can lead to sores and infections due to lack of cleanliness underneath them. Cast21’s innovative cast is waterproof and breathable, allowing for proper cleaning and avoiding such complications. Additionally, this new design is advantageous for both physicians and patients, offering comfort, visibility, and easier application and removal [6].
The Future
While still in the developmental stage, Cast21 aims to expand its product line, make the cast accessible to as many patients as possible, and collaborate with physicians to improve and integrate this innovative solution into medical practices [7].
