Surgeons at the Sint-MaartensKliniek medical center in the Netherlands are opting for patient-specific 3D-printed implants for complex replacement cases. Off-the-shelf implants, like those for knees, hips, ankles, or jaws, often come in small, medium, and large sizes, which may not provide an ideal fit for every patient. This imprecise fit can lead to poor outcomes and the need for additional surgeries, driving the increasing demand for custom 3D-printed implants.
Medical device firms are witnessing a surge in demand for patient-specific implants, with a focus on improving orthopedic implant outcomes. Companies like Axial3D are streamlining the process of creating patient-specific 3D models from scan data, reducing the time required for this process significantly.
AI and machine learning are playing crucial roles in automating the creation of 3D models, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. These technologies are not replacing human oversight but rather complementing it to expedite the process.
Access to accurate patient-specific digital 3D models is accelerating the production of 3D-printed surgical planning models and implant designs. This advancement is also fueling the growth of markets related to implants, such as virtual reality surgical software and robotic surgeries.
While the standard time for creating patient-specific implants can range from three to 18 months, efforts are underway to reduce this timeline significantly. Companies like Materialise are leading the way in producing patient-specific implants and surgical guides with shorter turnaround times.
Mayo Clinic and other hospitals are establishing their own patient-specific 3D printing labs to meet the increasing demand for personalized implants. The ability to produce implants in-house enables these institutions to provide faster treatment to patients.
One of the most rapidly growing applications of patient-specific 3D-printed parts is in cranial maxillofacial implants, which have shown significant benefits for patients undergoing procedures in this area.
Overall, patient-specific implants offer numerous advantages, including improved operative results, reduced hospital stays, and faster recovery times. While the adoption of these implants is still evolving, hospitals and insurance companies are recognizing the long-term cost savings and clinical benefits they offer.
In the U.S., patient-specific implants are gradually gaining acceptance, with surgeons increasingly considering them for cases where standard implants may not suffice. Patients are encouraged to inquire about implant sizes and reimbursement options to make informed decisions about their treatment.
