Custom 3D printed joints could restore full mobility to damaged ones
Quite often, when the joint of the finger is irreparablydamaged due to arthritis or injury, doctors simply splice it. However, this reduces its mobility. Therefore, doctors use artificial joints: either standard, made of titanium, or made of silicone.
However, according to German scientists, siliconeimplants often become detached from the finger bones. And standard sizes don't fit everyone, and they don't restore patients' full range of motion. To remedy the situation, scientists have teamed up in the FingerKIt project.
Patients are first x-rayedaffected finger. Then special AI-based software analyzes the two-dimensional images. The software uses the information to create a precisely sized 3D computer model of the artificial joint.
The model is then loaded into a 3D printer, whichcreates a titanium implant. In the printing process, the implant is constructed one layer at a time by applying a liquid binder to powdered titanium particles. The resulting object is very detailed, but quite fragile, so it is sintered. In this way, the bound particles are transformed into a stronger solid material. Implants can also be made from ceramic using slip casting.
It is estimated that such production of individualjoints 60% faster than with standard implants. Joints can be printed “on the spot,” shortly after the patient has been x-rayed.
The scientists are currently looking for commercial partners to help bring the technology to market.
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