Bearded dragon walks again thanks to 3D-printed leg splint

By Dean Murray

A lizard is walking again thanks to a 3D-printed leg splint.

Ned the bearded dragon had the high-tech aid fitted after zookeepers spotted him dragging his leg.

Staff at Healesville Sanctuary in Australia said X-rays and an examination showed he had injured toes and nerve damage.

Ned's leg was scanned to capture every bump and curve, before a 3D-printed replica leg and splint were made.

Healesville Sanctuary said the work was possible thanks to engineer Girius Antanaitis from GA Medical who creates custom surgical and veterinary equipment.

The new splint helps Ned move more easily, climb logs, bask in the warmth up high and catch live prey such as insects.

Healesville Sanctuary vet nurse Chris Stitt said they trialed four different splints over a couple of months.

Chris said: "Ned is a cool lizard. He's very chill. He's very good at all his appointments. He's quite happy to sit on the X-ray plate. He's one of the easiest patients to work with.

"I think it's amazing that we can make this animal's life better, so he can put his best foot forward while trialling new innovations and ideas."

Ned will continue to wear the splint for ongoing support, and his team of carers will also monitor his ongoing welfare and condition.