Dubai, the commercial capital and trading hub of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed a premier healthcare service which is efficient, technologically advanced and innovative. An orthopaedic surgical team has fitted one of the world's first 3D printed prosthetic limbs.

UK Expatriate Receives First 3D Prosthetic Limb in Dubai

A British expatriate living in Dubai has become the Middle East Gulf states' first recipient of a 3D printed prosthetic limb, potentially revealing the future of treatment for millions of amputees worldwide. At a specially arranged press conference on Wednesday (31/5) at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) headquarters, the patient, Belinda Gatland was presented with the new device, which was paid for by Informa PLC as part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ initiative. The DHA is the medical regulatory authority of the Emirate of Dubai, responsible for the regulation of both healthcare professionals and facilities.

Gatland lost her leg a decade ago following a horse riding accident, and since then has spent a large amount of money on new prosthetic limbs in an attempt to find one with the right fit to suit her active lifestyle. Now she believes that she has finally found it, as she told the gathered media: “This is better than the conventional prosthetic that I have been wearing until now, because this is lighter and gives more bounce, I can almost feel my toes!"

3D Printing Technology

Developments in three-dimensional printing technology have the potential to change the medical sector for ever, with its uses not restricted solely to the creation of artificial limbs. Defined as is a method of creating a three dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer created design, 3D printing is an additive process whereby layers of material are built up to create a 3D part. This is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing processes, where a final design is cut from a larger block of material. As a result, 3D printing creates less material wastage.

Recently surgeons in Dubai used a 3D printed kidney to evaluate a patient's condition and the best approach to surgery.  Research is ongoing into the potential of 3D printing live cells in the future.

The cost of a basic prosthetic limb is around Dh20,000 (around £4200). However for those who are aiming to maintain a more active lifestyle, this can rise to as much as Dh80,000 (£17,000). 3D printing can reduce the cost to around Dh40,000 (£8000) for a high end, fully functional and specially designed model.

The lower costs are not the only benefit; up to four prosthetic limbs can be printed at one time, making the process a lot quicker, and allowing the limbs to be tailored specifically for a patient’s needs and sizes. Additionally, the template can be saved remotely, and easily re-printed using any surgical 3D printer worldwide in the event of the limb getting damaged.

Sebastian Giede, orthopaedic prosthetist with Mediclinic in Dubai, is excited about what the future could hold. He told the press conference: “The potential of 3D printing in the field of prosthetic devices is huge. It allows for faster turnaround times, more personalisation in both design and functionality, and greater flexibility when it comes to replacement." For almost two decades Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates as a whole, has been at the forefront of advancements in medical technology and innovation. That is a fact that doesn’t look like changing any time soon either, with the country looking to spearhead developments in 3D printing medical technology.

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