Patient Specific Talus Spacer Treats Avascular Necrosis
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 04 Mar 2021 |
Image: The 3D printed Patient Specific Talus Spacer (Photo courtesy of Additive Orthopaedics)
An additively manufactured patient specific implant allows patients suffering from avascular necrosis (AVN) to regain motion and reduce pain in the ankle.
The Additive Orthopaedics (Little Silver, NJ, USA) Patient Specific Talus Spacer is a three dimension (3D) printed implant that is designed to provide a joint-sparing alternative to other surgical interventions commonly used in late-stage AVN that may disable motion of the ankle joint. Constructed of a porous lattice structure in order to support bony in-growth, the advanced talus implant includes complex geometries that lead to enhanced osteointegration, which are not possible with traditional manufacturing processes.
The Patient Specific Talus Spacer is 3D printed for each patient individually, modeled from a computed tomography (CT) scan, and is fitted to the patient's specific anatomy. During the replacement surgery, the patient's talus bone is removed and replaced with the implant, which is made from cobalt chromium alloy. While fusion may become necessary in the future (should the condition worsen), the Additive Orthopaedics Talus Spacer provides a joint-sparing procedure, as it allows the patient to retain motion in the ankle joint.
“Avascular necrosis of the talus is extremely painful and debilitating for these patients. The Patient Specific Talus Spacer is another example of how 3D printed devices can improve the standard of care,” said Greg Kowalczyk, President of Additive Orthopaedics. “Surgical treatment options are below-the-knee amputation or joint fusion, which results in loss of motion of the ankle, and can have poor outcomes.”
AVN of the ankle joint is a serious and progressive condition that causes death of bone tissue stemming from a lack of blood supply to the area. It is often caused by a sudden injury--such as a broken bone or a dislocated joint--or sustained damage to the tissue that develops over time, causing the damaged bone to turn necrotic. When a joint is affected, such as the ankle, the cartilage also deteriorates, leading to arthritis and pain. Late-stage AVN of the ankle may result in the talus partially or fully collapsing.
Related Links:
Additive Orthopaedics
The Additive Orthopaedics (Little Silver, NJ, USA) Patient Specific Talus Spacer is a three dimension (3D) printed implant that is designed to provide a joint-sparing alternative to other surgical interventions commonly used in late-stage AVN that may disable motion of the ankle joint. Constructed of a porous lattice structure in order to support bony in-growth, the advanced talus implant includes complex geometries that lead to enhanced osteointegration, which are not possible with traditional manufacturing processes.
The Patient Specific Talus Spacer is 3D printed for each patient individually, modeled from a computed tomography (CT) scan, and is fitted to the patient's specific anatomy. During the replacement surgery, the patient's talus bone is removed and replaced with the implant, which is made from cobalt chromium alloy. While fusion may become necessary in the future (should the condition worsen), the Additive Orthopaedics Talus Spacer provides a joint-sparing procedure, as it allows the patient to retain motion in the ankle joint.
“Avascular necrosis of the talus is extremely painful and debilitating for these patients. The Patient Specific Talus Spacer is another example of how 3D printed devices can improve the standard of care,” said Greg Kowalczyk, President of Additive Orthopaedics. “Surgical treatment options are below-the-knee amputation or joint fusion, which results in loss of motion of the ankle, and can have poor outcomes.”
AVN of the ankle joint is a serious and progressive condition that causes death of bone tissue stemming from a lack of blood supply to the area. It is often caused by a sudden injury--such as a broken bone or a dislocated joint--or sustained damage to the tissue that develops over time, causing the damaged bone to turn necrotic. When a joint is affected, such as the ankle, the cartilage also deteriorates, leading to arthritis and pain. Late-stage AVN of the ankle may result in the talus partially or fully collapsing.
Related Links:
Additive Orthopaedics
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Miniaturized Implantable Multi-Sensors Device to Monitor Vessels Health
- Tiny Robots Made Out Of Carbon Could Conduct Colonoscopy, Pelvic Exam or Blood Test
- Miniaturized Ultrasonic Scalpel Enables Faster and Safer Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery