Stumpy the three-legged turtle has a 3D-printed prosthesis.
The turtle was brought to the Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah, California with a badly injured and infected leg. Veterinarian Leslely Mailler quickly amputated the limb; however, she then reached out to May Howard Elementary School where her daughter studied and mentioned using a 3D printer in class.
Mailler then worked with the school's science teachers and fifth grade students, including her daughter, to design a 3D-printed prosthesis for Stumpy. The design was inspired by the rolling wheels on the bottom of classroom chairs. The design was printed using the 3DTin software program, before being attached using Gorilla glue.
The fifth graders are now hoping to refine the design and make the prosthesis a little smaller to make life easier for Stumpy.
3D-Printed Turtle Prosthetics
This 3D-Printed Prosthesis Was Implanted Onto Stumpy the Turtle
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Prosthetics - Opportunity to create customizable and affordable prosthetics using 3D printing technology.
2. Collaborative Design - Opportunity for collaboration between professionals and students to develop innovative solutions.
3. Animal Rehabilitation - Opportunity to utilize 3D printing to improve the quality of life for injured animals.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Opportunity to disrupt the prosthetics industry by providing personalized and cost-effective solutions.
2. Education - Opportunity to integrate 3D printing technology into the curriculum and foster students' creativity and problem-solving skills.
3. Animal Care - Opportunity to introduce 3D printing in animal care facilities to create customized prosthetics and devices for injured animals.