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Clinical applications of biomaterials: thermoplastic for upper limb orthotics
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Resumo(s)
The development of biomaterials with favorable physical and mechanical properties for making orthotics for the upper limb has evolved consielerably, and can contribute to offering more personalized, safe and effective therapeutic interventions. Orthoses for the upper limb can be built individually and require the selection of a suitable biomaterial and knowleelge of its characteristics on the part of the healthcare professional. Various low-temperature thermoplastics, which are relatively easy and understandable to use (such as polycaprolactone-based provided with a coating layer), allow for safe mouleling directly onto the desired musculoskeletal structures, optimizing, and sometimes synergistically accumulating, various therapeutic objectives, such as anatomical alignment, pain reduction, prevention or correction of deformity, among others. This paper discusses the types of biomaterials for upper limb orthotics, according to different conditions (rheumatology, orthotraumatology and neurology) and analyzes different characteristics (drapability, rigidity, resistance to stretch, conformability, memory, bonding, working time (after first and second thermal activation) and potential limitations (durability, potential biocompatibility risks and cost). Some challenges in clinical practice are discussed: gaps in long-term studies that also include biomechanicaL therapeutic and subjective criteria (perceived comfort and aesthetic acceptability), psychosocial impact, monitoring and safety, therapeutic adherence, applied research with user-centered approaches and 3D printing of upper limb orthotics (thermoplastic filament designed specifically for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), also known as Fused Deposition lvlodelling (FDM) 3D printing technology). ln a broader context, this work may point to the need for further longitudinal multidisciplinary research, underpinned by an ethically responsible and more ecological attitude, to respond to current sustainability challenges and contribute to evidence-based, person-centered practice.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Biomaterials Thermoplastics Orthotics
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Faias, J., Antunes, J., Miranda, L., Fernandes, Â., Coelho, T., & Silva, V. (2025). Clinical applications of biomaterials: Thermoplastic for upper limb orthotics. Book of Abstracts of the 7th Meeting on Medicinal Biotechnology - 3rd Iberian Congress on Medicinal Biotechnology, 45.