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Protect3D joins medicine and technology to help Athletes return to the sport safer and maybe faster. Kevin Gehsmann joins me to share their story and how Athletic Trainers can get their athletes braced.
Where did the idea come from?
Engineering student
Liked 3D printing
Daniel Jones, the quarterback at Duke, went down with a clavicle fracture. They decided their engineering project would help Daniel and other elite athletes needing protection.
Customized for his unique needs and ROM
What has been the most difficult hurdle for Protect3d?
In the early days, we were recognized by the NFL and won $50,000 and Superbowl tickets.
The pandemic caused a lot of challenges.
Every device we make has a positive impact on the athlete and their performance
Share a success story you enjoy.
Clavicle pads reduce the risk of re-injury and increase the confidence of the player and health care team.
It is also the original pad or brace that birthed the idea.
Outside of your own clinics where have you had doctors adapting this style of bracing?
We started with elite athletes and have worked with orthopedic surgeons and athletic trainers.
An ankle/foot orthotic is a new brace to help with foot drop.
We had a D1 athlete participate in games with a Protect3D brace for foot drop.
What do you see as a hurdle for secondary setting adoption of Protect3d braces?
The cost of the product is one hurdle.
Setting up a system for billing on demand can be an obstacle as well.
Are these braces something that could be printed on your everyday, at-home printer?
Due to the material, printer, and the need to control different variables as a medical device, they are not currently printed at home devices.
There may be options in the future as we grow and develop.
Want to test out Protect3D?
Have an athlete needing a brace?
Willing to give me your honest feedback on the podcast?
Send me an email and maybe follow it up with a social media post.
Give me the story (protect patient privacy)
If it works out then we will collaborate to get you a custom 3D-printed brace for your athlete.
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