Posted in Research to Reality | Aug 2016
Orthopaedic device manufacturers continue investments in additive manufacturing, as demonstrated by product launches and new partnerships. For instance, Johnson & Johnson, parent company of DePuy Synthes, has announced its collaboration with HP on 3D printing technologies, and Stryker Spine launched the 3D-printed Tritanium® Posterior Lumbar Cage at the 2016 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting.
But, what do surgeons actually think about the technology?
Nirav Shah, M.D., a sports medicine surgeon at Parkview Orthopaedic Group in Palos Heights, Illinois, shared his view on additive manufacturing during a presentation at OMTEC® 2016. Shah serves as a consultant to Northwestern University’s TEAM lab, which is developing additively-manufactured tissue inks and biological tissue. He also uses additive manufacturing software for pre-operative planning.
Shah believes that additive manufacturing leads to less waste and serves a critical role in treating complex cases or deformities with patient-specific implants. He also thinks that there is room in orthopaedics to print tissue or develop the actual materials to regenerate tissue.
