Manufacturing technology
Joint replacement implants can be made from a range of materials, but metals are the most common choice.
as antimicrobial alloys. But beyond creating the perfect fit, the team are also focused on improving an understanding of the 3D printing process such that it can be used in a broader range of applications. “Our team,” says Cox, “is leading the way in understanding how to tailor the surface of customised 3D-printed implants so that they maximise the potential for new bone regrowth while preventing bacterial adhesion, which could result in an infection. To achieve this, the team are exploring and developing new approaches to implant design, including the possibility to incorporate beneficial factors, such as antibiotics or growth factors.”
“Our team is leading the way in understanding how to tailor the surface of customised 3D printed implants so that they maximise the potential for new bone regrowth while preventing bacterial adhesion.”
“We are also looking to use novel ways to move the laser while 3D printing, such that we can manufacture intricate porous structures that mechanically behave like bone,” Cox adds. One of the challenges that must be overcome for a successful implant is osteoconduction – where new bone grows on the surface of it – and the porosity of that surface plays a significant role in how osteoconductive it is. “Using these porous structures within orthopaedic devices provides opportunities for new tissue to grow onto or into the implant, which can improve implant performance through the creation of a strong interface
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between the device and patient’s surrounding bone tissue,” Cox explains. “We’re only just beginning to understand how these technologies can be best used, and there’s certainly lots more innovation to come in the 3D printing space.” Taking a more macro view, the future for the 3D printing market looks extremely encouraging. In 2022, the global market size was valued at £19.84bn and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.3% between 2023 and 2030. Of course, healthcare is one of many industries included to reach that prediction, but there is currently a vast amount of research and development being carried out in the sector, and the growing demand for prototyping applications is likely to further drive the growth of the market.
Former US President Barack Obama asserted in his 2013 State of the Union speech that 3D printing had the potential to revolutionise the way we make things. The evidence required to substantiate whether that assertion was accurate would fill an entire book – but in orthopaedic departments at least, it seems like there’s a high likelihood it will be borne out in the future. Needless to say, Cox is very optimistic – and excited – about the potential 3D printing holds for the medical sector. “3D printers have become much more advanced in recent years and now the industry is moving into a rapid phase of innovation,” she says. “There is great potential for us to improve implant design, materials and push forward new concepts that aim to advance orthopaedic surgeries using 3D printing.” ●
Medical Device Developments /
www.nsmedicaldevices.com
Alex Mit/
Shutterstock.com
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