washable and breathable 'flexiOH' orthopedic cast is removed with a zipper

flexiOH, a new solution to medical casts

In the summer of 2014, an interdisciplinary team of physicians, engineers, and designers at the School of International Biodesign SiB introduced FlexiOH, an orthopedic cast that adapts to the patient’s skin. The perforated immobilization device is flexible and waterproof, solving a number of problems associated with traditional casts, such as itching, irritation, bad odor, constant discomfort, skin-related problems, and iatrogenic injury from cast saw removal. This new solution, offered by India- and North America-based company Orthoheal, could be the next big thing in the world of orthopedics.

the FlexiOH medical cast is washable and breathable | all images courtesy of Orthoheal

how does it work?

FlexiOH is made of biocompatible foam and has padding on the inside to ensure comfort, but more importantly to allow air circulation and evaporation of sweat or water on the skin surface. Thanks to its flexible material, the medical cast can be applied to the injured area through a quick and easy process. As Orthoheal describes on its official website, once positioned on the broken limb, a UV light device assists with the curing process and makes the FlexiOH rigid. This process takes only 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of the immobilizer. Once the fracture has healed, FlexiOH can be removed without any further external plaster cutting: you just have to undo the zipper.  

Thanks to its flexible, perforated design, FlexiOH is comfortable and allows daily activities to be performed comfortably. The device is also waterproof, allowing the user to swim and shower with ease. 

FlexiOH is made of biocompatible foam and has padding on the inside to ensure comfort

the perforated design facilitates air circulation and evaporation of sweat

FlexiOH allows daily activities to be performed comfortably

a UV light device assists with the curing process

to remove the cast, just undo the zipper

project info: 

name: FlexiOH
company: Orthoheal