Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40471434›Full record

Article3D printing in medicine2025

Clinical case study on custom 3D printed collars for dropped head syndrome patients.

Abir Dutta, Jim Ashworth-Beaumont, Sanganagouda Patil, Kia Rezajooi, Deepak M Kalaskar

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in 3D printing in medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Abir DuttaInstitute of Ortho and MSK Science, Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
Jim Ashworth-BeaumontDepartment of Orthotics, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital-NHS Trust, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK.
Sanganagouda PatilSpinal Surgery Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital-NHS Trust, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK.
Kia RezajooiSpinal Surgery Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital-NHS Trust, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK.
Deepak M KalaskarInstitute of Ortho and MSK Science, Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK. d.kalaskar@ucl.ac.uk.

Funding

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity 573996Wellcome TrustWellcome Trust 223793/Z/21/Z
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDropped Head Syndrome (DHS) is a neurological condition characterized by severe head and neck muscle atrophy, leading to difficulties in maintaining a straight gaze and experiencing severe neck pain during daily activities. Standard off-the-shelf cervical orthotic devices (Neck Collars) often fail to provide adequate support for patients with DHS. This feasibility study aimed to develop and implement a novel feedback-incorporated workflow for creating personalized 3D printed (Powder Bed Fusion) cervical orthotic devices for six DHS patients with varying pathologies. CASE PRESENTATION: A tailored workflow was devised and executed to produce bespoke 3D printed cervical orthotic devices for 6 DHS patients. The effectiveness of the collars in supporting patients during activities and reducing neck pain was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively using validated patient support questionnaires, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Score for Neck Pain, Global Cervical Angles (GCA), and Vertical Chin Brow Angles (VCBA) before and after intervention. Various clinical and design parameters were analysed to evaluate the collars' efficacy in supporting patients and reducing neck pain. Patients exhibited an increase in GCA and a decrease in VCBA when using the collars as compared to their previous condition without those. The Visual Analog Score for Neck Pain decreased over the 6-month follow-up period, indicating positive implementation of the bespoke collars.

conclusionThe personalized design and functionality of the 3D printed collars significantly improved patients' quality of life, representing a significant advancement in rehabilitative and supportive healthcare interventions. This pilot study lays the groundwork for further large-scale cohort studies.

Indexed as

3D printingCase studyCervical orthotic deviceDropped head syndromeNeck collar

Identifiers

PMID40471434
PMCPMC12139371

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