HKPC Successfully Develops 'Plaster Cast-Free' Bracing Technology for Fractures

 
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), in collaboration with local medical device maker Vincent Medical Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and medical advisors from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has successful developed a 'plaster cast-free' bracing technology as a safe and effective treatment for arm fractures, while enabling early movement and rehabilitation. The project is funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government through the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute.
 
At a briefing today (25 June 2014), Mr Joseph Poon, Director (Technology Development) of HKPC, said, "With an aging population, incidents of elderly and osteoporosis-related fractures are on the rise. By leveraging HKPC's expertise in biomedical engineering, this new bracing technology can effectively treat bone fractures and promote the quality of life for patients. Doctors and medical workers, moreover, can easily prepare and apply this alternative fracture treatment for plaster cast. Local manufacturers eyeing on the fast-growing medical device market will also benefit from this innovation. It offers a win-win solution for all."
 
The HKPC-developed technology targets specifically the treatment of non-surgical circumferential fractures. Mr Poon, said, "This bracing technology has three unique features – multiple points of adjustable pressure, flexible elbow joint and quick installation. Clinical performance evaluation results verified by HKU confirmed that the technology could achieve safe union of the fractures, with effective immobilization control, and an early resumption of movement of the patients' adjacent joints."
 
This 'plaster cast-free' bracing technology uses a special functional material and an inflatable multi-cushion cell structure to achieve uniform distribution of contact pressure. Orthopaedists can precisely adjust the pressure accordingly for effective immobilization of the fractures. Moreover, flexible elbow joint gives patients limited mobility in the latter half stage of the treatment in order to reduce the risk of stiff elbow. With simple training, medical workers can complete the installation of the brace in five minutes, especially suitable for on-the-spot treatment at emergencies.
 
The technology design is fit for medical use and has been tested against some functional parameters, including contact pressure distribution, bio-compatibility and reliability. Also, medical advisors from the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, have completed a year-long clinical performance evaluation at a public hospital in Shenzhen.
 
On the way forward, Mr Poon said, "Apart from supporting the project's industry partner on technology commercialization, HKPC will look into new treatment functions such as thermal therapy and electronic automation to the brace, based on clinical feedbacks. Further applications to the lower limbs and muscle injuries are other areas of development, which will add up to benefit more patients from this biomedical engineering technology."
 
Also joining the briefing, Professor William Lu, Ng Chun-Man Professor in Orthopaedic Bioengineering, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, introduced the clinical performance evaluation results, while Mr Otto To, General Manager, Vincent Medical Manufacturing Co. Ltd., outlined the plans for technology commercialization and market development for high value-adding medical devices.
 
For further information about the technology, please contact Mr Edwin Wong, Automation Service Division of HKPC, at tel. (852) 2788 5920 or email: edwinwong@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Mr Felix Chan at tel. (852) 2788 5036 or email: felixchan@hkpc.org.
 
 
* * *
 
Miss Justina Shum
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications
Tel: (852) 2788 5895
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
Email: justina@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org
 
25 June 2014
 
 
Mr Joseph Poon, Director (Technology Development) of HKPC (Centre); Mr Otto To, General Manager, Vincent Medical Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Left), and Professor William Lu, Ng Chun-Man Professor in Orthopaedic Bioengineering, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, parade the new ‘plaster cast-free’ bracing technology for fractures.
Mr Joseph Poon, Director (Technology Development) of HKPC (Centre); Mr Otto To, General Manager, Vincent Medical Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Left), and Professor William Lu, Ng Chun-Man Professor in Orthopaedic Bioengineering, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, parade the new 'plaster cast-free' bracing technology for fractures.
 

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