Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries
Introduction: Many low resourced low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to (high tech) developments in the medical field. The aim of this study is to research how a contemporary high-tech solution, such as customized medical implants, can be transferred to low resource LMICs. Ma...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2022-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212426821001275 |
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| author | Stijn E.F. Huys Anthony F. Markus Maurice Y. Mommaerts |
| author_facet | Stijn E.F. Huys Anthony F. Markus Maurice Y. Mommaerts |
| author_sort | Stijn E.F. Huys |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction: Many low resourced low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to (high tech) developments in the medical field. The aim of this study is to research how a contemporary high-tech solution, such as customized medical implants, can be transferred to low resource LMICs. Materials and methods: We explored the internet to retrieve data regarding internet coverage, services providing free email accounts, and the availability of connecting devices. Additionally, a computerized search was performed for currently available PSI concepts and other important emerging technologies with potential value in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Lastly, we searched the internet for the availability of CT scan devices and smartphones in the LMICs. Results: Internet penetration and access to computers/smartphones is low in the LMICs. Moreover, availability of radiology departments and radiologists is very limited (60 radiologists per 190 million Nigerian inhabitants) and a lack of knowledge concerning import regulations and customs clearance, limits the accessibility/availability for patient-specific implants, since this is crucial in developing and delivering these devices. Lastly, appropriate training and instrumentation are vital (yet, currently difficult) to acquire and foresee, in order to achieve the best post-operative results. Conclusion: This research confirms great difficulties achieving our aims but with persistence and adoption of well-constructed programs it should be possible. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4db392bc9e854814a8454c3dc49bdf74 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2212-4268 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2022-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-4db392bc9e854814a8454c3dc49bdf742025-08-20T02:50:26ZengElsevierJournal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research2212-42682022-01-01121808510.1016/j.jobcr.2021.10.011Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countriesStijn E.F. Huys0Anthony F. Markus1Maurice Y. Mommaerts2KU Leuven, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, Leuven, Belgium; Corresponding author.Poole Hospital, University of Bournemouth, United KingdomEuropean Face Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, VUB, 1090, Brussels, BelgiumIntroduction: Many low resourced low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to (high tech) developments in the medical field. The aim of this study is to research how a contemporary high-tech solution, such as customized medical implants, can be transferred to low resource LMICs. Materials and methods: We explored the internet to retrieve data regarding internet coverage, services providing free email accounts, and the availability of connecting devices. Additionally, a computerized search was performed for currently available PSI concepts and other important emerging technologies with potential value in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Lastly, we searched the internet for the availability of CT scan devices and smartphones in the LMICs. Results: Internet penetration and access to computers/smartphones is low in the LMICs. Moreover, availability of radiology departments and radiologists is very limited (60 radiologists per 190 million Nigerian inhabitants) and a lack of knowledge concerning import regulations and customs clearance, limits the accessibility/availability for patient-specific implants, since this is crucial in developing and delivering these devices. Lastly, appropriate training and instrumentation are vital (yet, currently difficult) to acquire and foresee, in order to achieve the best post-operative results. Conclusion: This research confirms great difficulties achieving our aims but with persistence and adoption of well-constructed programs it should be possible.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212426821001275Maxillofacial prosthesis implantationCraniofacial abnormalitiesLow- and middle-income countries |
| spellingShingle | Stijn E.F. Huys Anthony F. Markus Maurice Y. Mommaerts Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research Maxillofacial prosthesis implantation Craniofacial abnormalities Low- and middle-income countries |
| title | Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries |
| title_full | Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries |
| title_fullStr | Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries |
| title_full_unstemmed | Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries |
| title_short | Obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low- and middle-income countries |
| title_sort | obstacles for accessing customised craniofacial implants in low and middle income countries |
| topic | Maxillofacial prosthesis implantation Craniofacial abnormalities Low- and middle-income countries |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212426821001275 |
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