In a recently published Viewpoint article in the Caribbean Medical Journal, Dr. Umesh Persad, Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship (MME) Unit at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and Dr. Marlon Mencia, Lecturer in Trauma and Orthopaedics at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, outlined the ways that 3D printing can be used to support surgeons and patients in the local environment. 

Key areas for the application of 3D printing are: (1) anatomical models, (2) prosthetics and orthotics (3) custom implants and instruments and (4) living tissues. The article discusses the relevance of these areas to current orthopaedic practices in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as future applications. In particular, customised prosthetics and orthotics is an area in which 3D printing is proving to be very useful. Research being carried out at UTT's MME Unit is examining local digital design and manufacture (via 3D Printing) of orthotics and prosthetics in areas such as diabetic insoles, lower limb prosthetic sockets, braces for club foot, and hand prosthetics for patients with finger amputations. The MME Unit's key long-term industrial partner in this effort is Qualitech (http://www.qmstt.com/). 

UTT's MME Unit is at the forefront of providing medical engineering services to doctors and patients in the Caribbean region. Dr. Persad and Dr. Mencia both recommend that radiologists and surgeons collaborate with academic institutions and established manufacturing companies with engineering expertise to carry out research in this area. As technology develops and becomes more affordable, the possibility of establishing 3D print labs within hospital radiology departments, surgical practices and clinics can be considered. As a result of research already implemented by its MME Unit, UTT stands ready to train both engineers and medical professionals in the application of technology to local and regional healthcare problems. 

Publication
The value of 3D Printing in Orthopaedics (November 2020)
Umesh Persad, Marlon Mencia
Caribbean Medical Journal (CMJ)
https://www.caribbeanmedicaljournal.org/2020/11/03/the-value-of-3d-printing-in-orthopaedics/