University of Rostock and partners including Hochschule Stralsund, Kompetenzzentrum Diabetes Karlsburg, and LiEBAU Orthopadietechnik have launched the 30-month AMRO project to deve...

University of Rostock and partners including Hochschule Stralsund, Kompetenzzentrum Diabetes Karlsburg, and LiEBAU Orthopadietechnik have launched the 30-month AMRO project to develop a digital process chain for 3D printed patient-specific hand orthoses. The project focuses on treating rhizarthrosis by utilizing anatomical data capture, computer-aided design, and simulation-based engineering to produce custom orthoses from biocompatible thermoplastics. Led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mark Vehse, the initiative aims to create a modular system that allows for post-production adjustments, moving away from traditional, bulky manual manufacturing methods that often restrict patient mobility.

This project addresses the limitations of standardized orthotics, which frequently impede the daily functionality of patients in manual labor professions. By integrating digital scanning and additive manufacturing, the team aims to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the reliance on invasive surgical interventions. The project sits within the medical device segment of the AM value chain, focusing on the intersection of material science, specifically testing for bacterial adhesion and skin compatibility, and automated design workflows. This approach competes with traditional thermoforming and manual casting, offering a more precise, reproducible alternative that reduces the labor burden on orthopaedic technicians.

For the orthopaedic sector, the success of this project depends on the validation of long-term mechanical and biological performance of the chosen thermoplastics. Practitioners should focus on the integration of these digital workflows into existing clinical environments to ensure that the transition from manual to automated production remains cost-effective. The project must demonstrate that these 3D printed solutions can maintain structural integrity during the repetitive stress of daily use while meeting strict medical certification standards for skin contact.