New Protective Face Mask Gets Injured Sportsmen Back in the Game

LEEDS, U.K. - Nov. 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Technology in Motion has developed a protective mask to enable active individuals to return safely to sport following facial injury and repair. The first of its kind in the UK, this high-impact carbon fibre mask is made to an exact scan of the face using the latest 3D scanning and printing technologies for unrivalled protection, comfort and support.

The sports injury specialist has 3D scanners in all twelve of its UK centres and is well placed to serve clients throughout England and much of Scotland and Wales. With just one appointment needed for the scan and another for fitting, they have already received several enquiries from overseas.

Saving face: the case for protective face masks in the UK

In just one week, the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons identified 6,144 patients as presenting with facial injuries across 163 UK Accident and Emergency departments.¹ Meanwhile, the Sheffield Teaching Hospital reports 4,000 facial injuries per year, of which 250 are fractures, in a population of 500,000.²

Further research is required to get a clear picture of the incidence of facial fractures in the UK annually. However, these reports do indicate that their number is significant, highlighting a considerable demand for measures to protect the weakened face as it heals and prevent injuries from recurring.

"A ready made, one-size-fits-all mask made from plastic does little to protect the face and can even increase the risk of further injury by slipping around and restricting peripheral vision," says Steve Mottram, Consultant Orthotist and Managing Director at Technology in Motion.

"By contrast, this custom-made, 3D-printed mask is modelled on a precise 3D scan for a flawless fit around the unique contours of an individual's face. Any impact is transferred to the surrounding surfaces, providing targeted and effective support for a fractured cheek, jaw, brow or nose as it heals and giving ongoing protection to prevent the injury from recurring."

Made from strong but lightweight carbon fibre, the new protective mask has a high strength-to-volume ratio without the excess bulk characteristic of plastic. Its tensile strength is reinforced with Kevlar, a synthetic fibre often used in the manufacture of tyres and other rubber products, giving excellent flexibility.

Lined with a low-profile material and flexible strapping, the mask is designed not only to protect the face, but also to maximise comfort and minimise sweating during long hours of practice and play.

The scope for customisation goes beyond just the fit, and those looking to match their mask to their team colours will not be disappointed with the range of bespoke paint options on offer.

"As far as we know, we are the only UK clinic providing this treatment at present," says Steve. "However, we expect to see a rising demand for devices of this kind as the technologies become more readily available and more widely recognised."

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Notes to editors

About the company

Technology in Motion is a Leeds-based network of orthotic clinics providing custom and off-the-shelf treatments for a range of conditions, including sports injuries, joint-related problems and flat head syndrome.  Visit www.technologyinmotion.com for more information.

References

1 Hutchison I L, Magennis P, Shepherd J, Brown A E. The BAOMS United Kingdom survey of facial injuries part 1: aetiology and the association with alcohol consumption (http://www.researchgate.net/publication/13706241_The_BAOM...). British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1998;36(1):3-13

2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS). NHS Foundation Trust. Available at: http://www.sth.nhs.uk/services/a-z-of-services?id=227&page=72