Researchers with the Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research (CIBOR) at Wichita State University have created the fast-setting splint the Department of Defense (DoD) tasked them with developing three years ago.

In 2011, the DoD awarded Wichita State $1.4 million to develop a fast-setting composite stabilization device for battlefield use. The DoD needed a splint that provided improved stabilization, while also being compact, lightweight, and quick to cure regardless of the surrounding environment – whether it is hot, cold, dark, wet or dry.

The fast-setting splint was commissioned because the splint currently used by the DoD provides less than ideal stabilization. Proper stabilization prevents motion around the fracture site.

“We developed splints that are two times stiffer and four times stronger than the splints that are currently used by the military,” said Kim Reuter, senior research engineer for CIBOR. “This improves stabilization, which reduces the risk of increased soft tissue damage and, in some cases, could prevent the need for amputation."

The fast-setting splint comes in various sizes to fit the extremities: arms, legs, feet, hands. It comes wrapped in a small package that unfolds to lay flat on the affected extremity. Wound victims can easily strap the device on by themselves if necessary, and the device is activated by pulling gently on a tab. In about 45 seconds, it hardens in order to stabilize the patient before transportation to a medical facility.

Wichita State has filed a provisional patent and Reuter is looking for uses for the splint outside the battlefield, specifically hospitals, emergency responders and athletic trainers.

“We are excited about the potential for this splint, both in and out of the military. We're in the process of talking with people in various emergency medical fields, and so far, all the feedback has been positive,” said Reuter.

Wichita State utilized the university’s and the aerospace industry’s extensive knowledge of aerospace composite material properties to devise the fast-setting splint.

"Developing the splint has been an exciting and challenging project. There seemed to be a new roadblock every week, but each problem, whether big or little, was an opportunity for creative problem-solving, which is always fun," said Reuter.

The lab estimates it produced more than 1,000 prototypes during the three-year development phase. CIBOR is researching ways to mass-produce the splint to reduce the cost through mass production technologies.