Comparison between the Production Processes of PLA and Hospital Plaster from a sustainable perspective

This article compares hospital plaster and polylactic acid (PLA) in the production of orthoses, analyzing them through environmental, economic, and social lenses. Plaster, widely used in orthopedic immobilization, has significant environmental impacts due to its extraction process, high energy consumption, and improper disposal. In contrast, PLA, a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable sources, stands out for its lower carbon footprint and recyclability. Beyond its environmental benefits, PLA offers economic advantages by reducing waste and optimizing resources in orthosis production. From a social perspective, its use enhances patient comfort due to the material's lightweight nature and thermal adaptability. The analysis suggests that PLA has the potential to sustainably replace plaster, aligning with contemporary sustainability guidelines in healthcare without compromising the clinical efficiency of orthoses.