Surgeons can create patient specific solutions :)
Is this the world's first patient specific LSI 3D printed titanium construct?
Jane had a L5/S1 pseudo arthrosis with loose S1 pedicle screws and a severely trapped L5 nerve root. The clever Anatomics engineers whipped up the world's first 3D printed titanium LSI posterior constructs so that I could perform a minimally invasive fixation.
First, I used the Anatomics SpineGuides to place Jam Shidi Needles. Then I popped in the implants and fixed Jane with S2 screws, iliac bolts and an 18 degree lordotic 3D printed titanium cage.
BSc,MMedSc,PhD, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine
7 年Paul you are a genius. Anatomics has a very bright future. Pure genius??Carmen
Healthcare Management Consultant / Healthcare Executive/ Blackbelt Lean Healthcare/ Project Manager / External Board Advisor
8 年Would this be suitable for a patient with c4/c5 prolapse disc with nerve compression? My partner has seen numerous specialists in Australia with no resolution for treatment.
Making great medical innovations.
8 年I think the most underrated part of this surgery are, IMHO, the custom made drilling guides which ensures that off the shelf pedicle screws are positioned adequately for optimum bone purchase... This is really a clever blend of 'old' and 'new'. I would be interested in better understanding the post-processing steps required to ensure that the dynamic behaviour of these rods are on a par with other implants.
Zeegers Artificial Disc Replacement Worldwide since 1989 at Zeegers BV
8 年Impressive ...
Senior Manager, Biomedical Engineering. Additive Manufacturing | Master of Science (MS)
8 年Rapid hospital adoption of 3D printing services for implants would be a huge leap, but not impossible. There's a lack of biomedical engineers in a hospital setting capable of the design and analysis necessary to produce many of these at a time. One-offs or a few per year would be feasible. Granted, you have to consider hospital resources, space allocation, and the idea that the FDA does not regulate 3D printers (at least not yet), GMP certification, etc. If you were limited to one hire, you'd need a biomedical engineer with imaging, 3D printing, biomechanics, CAD/FEA background, who is also familiar with biocompatibility and corrosion rates. Overall, a very rewarding and satisfying position.