In recent years, 3D printing has taken off in the medical sector, bringing innovations in a variety of fields. From the creation of custom-made prostheses and orthoses to the personalization of drug treatments, this technology is transforming healthcare. Today, we take a look at 3D-printed implants.
More specifically, a new case comes from international medical technology company Exactech, which recently performed the first ankle replacement operations using Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants, both designed using 3D printing. Indeed, last week, Dr. James Lachman of St. Luke’s University Health Network conducted one such surgery in Pennsylvania, USA.
Exactech’s tibial implants
Innovations in Ankle Surgery Thanks to 3D Printing
Dr. James Lachman MD, of St. Luke’s University Health Network, was the first to perform the ankle procedure last week. “It is exciting to be the first to implant Exactech’s latest ankle products and provide my patients with their differentiating benefits,” Dr. Lachman said.
The implant stands out for its ability to adapt to a wider range of pathologies while making surgical instruments simpler to use. The company’s Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants are available with stem heights ranging from 10 to 30 mm. Thanks to 3D printing technology, they offer unique features, including a surface designed to reproduce the natural structure of bone.
With the help of these implants, Dr. Jim Nunley and Exactech Design Team Surgeon Mark Easley, MD performed two total ankle arthroplasties at Duke Regional Hospital. This surgical procedure aims to restore joint mobility by establishing a new joint space. “
After several years of developing the 3D+ tibial component with the outstanding Exactech engineers and other design team surgeons, James Lachman and I are pleased how the new tibial components and instrumentation seamlessly melded with the existing talar component options,” Easly said. “The additive manufacturing, and the press-fit pegs and augmented central cage afford satisfying initial tibial component stability.” Although manufacturing techniques have not yet been disclosed, these implants offer surgeons optimized solutions for patient treatment.
Exactech’s Recent Developments in Foot and Ankle Care
These new products join a wide range of new launches by Exactech. Earlier this year, the company launched Activit-E, a polyethylene insert enriched with vitamin E. Finally, in collaboration with 3D Systems, Exactech has developed customized cutting guides compatible with its new implants. To learn more about Exatech’s work, read their press release here.
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*All Photo Credits: Exactech