3D printed knee implants

Rock Hill, South Carolina – 3D Systems officials announced that more than 10,000 disabled dogs are now able to run faster, jump higher and play harder thanks to 3D printed metal orthopedic knee implants that the Company manufactured for Rita Leibinger Medical. Digitally designed and 3D fabricated titanium implants empower veterinarians to compress the treatment-to-recovery cycle of a common, but difficult-to-solve problem in dogs' legs, underscoring the power of 3D printing to improve the quality of life for all.

Watch this video to see how 3DS' printing capabilities help disabled dogs to walk and run freely, just six weeks after surgery.

The patent pending TTA RAPID (tibial tuberosity advancement) implant effectively repairs damage to cruciate ligaments in dogs' hind legs caused by trauma, degeneration, or genetics. This treatment begins with a 3D printed implant that is inserted into the dog's lower leg, reorganizing the mechanical forces of the bones and creating dynamic knee stability without the need to repair the damaged ligament. In success, dogs – from Jack Russells to Great Danes – are able to walk and run freely six weeks after surgery.

"It is heartbreaking to see your dog in so much pain that he or she can barely walk," said Rita Leibinger, owner and founder of Rita Leibinger Medical. "With this implant we experienced faster, more successful surgery and a faster recovery period. It is gratifying to see progress like this improve the lives of these animals and their families."

The key to this ground-breaking implant's success is its complex, open structure that promotes rapid bone ingrowth, with less risk of infection. Rita Leibinger Medical teamed up with 3DS to manufacture these proprietary titanium implants in its state-of-the-art healthcare manufacturing facility in Leuven, Belgium, while the surgical technique was perfected in collaboration with Dr. Yves Samoy from Ghent University in Belgium.

"With 3D printing complexity is free, which is critical to unlocking performance and efficacy in the medical field," said Kevin McAlea, COO, Healthcare Products, 3DS. "Unlike traditional manufacturing, there is no penalty for complexity or scale, so we are able to produce a wide range of implant sizes quickly and economically. 3D printing is the clear choice for better functional and scalable solutions, in healthcare and beyond."

A year after an initial European release and subsequent distribution in the U.S., the Rita Leibinger Medical TTA Rapid implant is poised for worldwide release and the team is working on scaled down implants for smaller dogs and cats.

From implants to prosthetics, 3DS' personalized medical solutions are helping provide favorable outcomes and improving the quality of life for all – whether man or man's best friend. Watch a recent video of how 3DS got Derby the Dog up and running for the first time on 3D printed custom prosthetics. 

Source: 3D Systems