Application of the Month: Customized 3D-Printed Titanium Shoulder Arthrodesis Plates

In recent years, the rapid development of additive manufacturing technology in healthcare has led to significant advances in research, drug development and the production of prostheses, implants and medical devices. In the latter case, metal 3D printing in particular has revolutionized the medical industry, enabling highly customized and rapidly produced medical solutions. Furthermore, the use of biocompatible materials, such as titanium and cobalt alloys, guarantees safe and durable medical devices. It also enables more sustainable production by reducing material waste, cutting manufacturing costs and improving efficiency through higher production speeds.

Additive manufacturing now makes it possible to create tailor-made plates, screws and complete prostheses and implants, all perfectly adapted to the anatomical characteristics of each patient. This is made possible by integrating technologies such as 3D scanning, CT and other imaging techniques, with 3D software and 3D printers. The resulting products have proved not only safe, but also, in some cases, more effective, speeding up the patient’s healing process. To explore this topic further, let’s take a look at this recent case study to understand the benefits of using metal additive manufacturing to produce titanium shoulder arthrodesis plates.

3D printing is changing the way medical implants and prostheses are produced

Comparison of Shoulder Arthrodesis Plates Made Using Traditional and Additive Manufacturing Methods

Manufacturers of implants for spinal surgery, neurosurgery and osteosynthesis are encountering numerous difficulties in the production of shoulder arthrodesis plates. These devices are used to resect (a surgical term meaning cut out when referred to a tissue or part of an organ) the humeral head in cases of shoulder ligament injury. However, manufacturing these products using traditional methods remains a challenge, as the design and manufacture of specialized tools is time and resource intensive. In addition, the complex geometry of the parts poses difficulties. In addition to machining, bending operations are often required, but this technology is not very precise and does not guarantee the necessary degree of repeatability.