Credit: Al Jazeera In besieged Gaza, obliterated by Israel throughout the past two years, doctors struggling with chronic shortage of surgical supplies are now deploying 3D printers to create custom 3D printed prosthetic limbs out of desperation to save patients from amputation without anesthesia.
3D printing technology has become a life-saving humanitarian program for emergency triage in Israel’s genocidal war. 3D artificial limbs are the new dignified rehabilitation that’s transforming the Palestinian medical care, delivering accessible care in the most challenging war zone.
Innovation at Gaza Hospitals
In Gaza, physicians are using 3D printing and prosthetics in treating difficult cases of fractures during power outages. Solar panels are currently powering a small 3D printer at a disrupted hospital for employees to work during blackouts.
Dr Fadel Naim, acting director general of al-Ahli Arab Hospital, says many war injuries require solutions like a 3D printed prosthetic limb to avoid amputation.
“The types of the fracture we receive, especially in this war, were so complicated, so complex that the external fixator is the most suitable [treatment],” he explained to Al Jazeera.
Using recycled materials, medical teams are proving that 3D printing prosthetics can function even under a barrier. Locally made devices usually work like 3d artificial limbs, bringing back stability when standard equipment is not functioning.
Zakaria, displaced from Jabalia to Deir el-Balah, said the treatment opened his eyes to new types of artificial limbs made inside Gaza.
“He has no pain, has no limitation of range of motion; he can walk,” said Dr Naim, assessing his patient.
According to the Medical group Glia, this is proof on how 3D printing for prosthetics can save lives during extreme crisis, giving a slight hope to those in need of it.
Palestinians Stuck Between Prosthetics or Amputations
Engineers are going for 3D printed prosthetic limbs to save Palestinians from going under the knife as amputees. Creating the most advanced artificial limb experience that’s birthed out of need to survive.
Specialists admit that 3D printing and prosthetics are beneficial for doctors as it helps them understand the parts of artificial limb systems during design.
Doctors in Gaza are now using 3D prosthetic printing to produce organ models for surgery planning. Experts believe continued research will definitely shape the future of artificial limbs across the Middle East. Together, Gaza and the UAE show how 3D printed prosthetic limbs can change lives in both emergency zones and advanced medical centers.
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