Principal investigators: Steven Kurtz and Hannah Spece
University: Drexel University
Industry partner: My Pet’s Brace
The goal of this collaborative project between Drexel University and My Pet’s Brace (MPB) is to evaluate the feasibility of using 3D printing to create customized knee braces for dogs, providing a more innovative and sustainable alternative to the traditional manufacturing methods used today. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in canines is the most common cause of hind limb lameness, with up to an estimated 6% of dogs experiencing CCL deficiency in their lifetimes. Custom knee (stifle) braces, an alternative to invasive and costly surgery, provide a conservative management solution for pet owners both locally in Pennsylvania and worldwide. Specifically, we propose to revamp MPB’s current brace manufacturing process to an innovative 3D printing-based manufacturing workflow that requires less time, labor, and material. Through this 3D printing workflow, we propose to create a more lightweight brace, with focus on braces for small dog breeds, a current manufacturing challenge for MPB.