The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York is employing in-house 3D printing to craft personalized titanium joint replacements. Collaborating with LimaCorporate SpA, HSS utilizes 3D printing to address cases where standard implants prove inadequate. Their use of additive manufacturing offers the flexibility to fabricate intricate designs swiftly, compared to conventional methods.
Traditionally, patients undergo joint replacement surgery using off-the-shelf implants. However, for individuals with complex needs such as severe deformities or extensive bone loss, custom solutions are imperative.
At the hospital’s Complex Joint Reconstruction Center, orthopedic surgeons leverage AM to produce precise models of patients’ joints based on CT scans. This pre-surgical planning tool enhances decision-making and ensures optimal fit.
“We get a CT scan and from that we can create an actual model of the patient’s joint to help with planning the surgery before we go into the operating room,” explained Mark Figgie, MD, chief emeritus of the Surgical Arthritis Service at HSS.
“Having the model before surgery has revolutionized the planning process of these difficult cases, helping us make sure we’re doing the right thing and getting the right fit.”
For patients facing daunting medical situations, HSS serves as a beacon of hope, often representing the final resort. Nevertheless, the adoption of patient-specific AM implants involves navigating regulatory hurdles, including FDA approval and compassionate use waivers.
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