A 3D printed lightweight robust knee brace for the elderly. (Credit: Nanyang Technological University)

Researchers have developed a lighter, yet more robust knee brace for the elderly who suffer from knee problems. Using 3D printing techniques, the team has managed to reduce the weight of a traditional exoskeleton knee brace (typically built using metal) by 30 percent, thanks to an innovative design that uses lightweight plastic and assistive springs.

Based on a prototype assistive orthopedic brace, researchers developed X-Brace, which looks similar to the sleek knee brace used by Batman in the movie The Dark Knight Rises.

This designed-in-Singapore knee brace, which has just been launched in the market, will benefit elderly patients who often need help to alleviate the burden on their joints, helping them to climb stairs, unlike the rest of the knee braces in the regional market. It can also benefit patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery or reconstruction of torn ligaments in their rehabilitation and recovery.

For more information, visit here .