How are 3D Printing Implants Helping in the Medical Field?

By MedTech Outlook | Thursday, September 03, 2020

The medical sector, than any other sector, has always been high on embracing new technologies.

FREMONT, CA: 3D printed implants is being widely used in the medical field for numerous purposes. Starting from printing patient-specific surgical models, surgical instruments to customized prosthetics, its uses are vast and ever-growing. One of the most extensively used applications is 'patient specific implant,' which has numerous benefits for doctors and patients. It helps the doctors simplify their surgical procedures by providing a perfect fit, while for patients, it reduces the pain and increases recovery time post-surgery.

Here are some of the benefits of using 3D printed implants.

1. Perfect fit:

A one-size-fits-all approach does not exist in surgical procedures such as neurosurgery or chin augmentation. Bone structures in the human body are sophisticated and can differ significantly among patients. 3D printed implants provide a perfect fit for the patients as they are designed, particularly in their anatomy. Any sophisticated shape can be made more comfortable with the help of an ultra-modern 3D designing software and a 3D printing machine, that too, in lesser time and without taking multiple sessions with patients.

2. Fast recovery of the patient:

If the implants are of a perfect fit, they will start doing their functions early and help in patients' speedy recovery. Post-op recovery might get delayed if the surgery performed is not efficient because of multiple implants adjustment, more extensive resection of bones to adjust conventional implants, longer operative times, or any infection during the surgery.

3. Less surgery time:

In traditional implant surgeries, the surgeons perform a pre-op assessment on a patient and then visually inspect the implant placement. The surgeon makes repeated adjustments until the 'best fit' is found. Increased adjustments mean longer operative times, higher risk of infections, and likely delay in post-op recovery. 3D printed implants aid to resolve these problems and gives high-success rate in surgery.

3D printed implants have been helpful for surgeons and patients in multiple ways. Researchers across the globe continue to improve the existing medical applications using 3D printing technology.

See Also: Top 3D Printing Consulting/Services Companies