3D Printed Implants Advance Personalized Shoulder Reconstruction

A novel patient-matched glenoid implant is designed to treat rotator cuff injuries and extensive bone loss in primary, fracture, or revision total shoulder replacement.

The Zimmer-Biomet (Warsaw, IN, USA) comprehensive vault reconstruction system (VRS) is indicated for use in patients whose shoulder joint has a grossly deficient rotator cuff with severe arthropathy and/or a previously failed shoulder joint replacement. The patient must also be anatomically and structurally suited for the implants, and a functional deltoid muscle is necessary. The system uses computerized tomography (CT) scans and advanced three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques to allow surgeons to personalize each patient’s implant.


The glenoid baseplate components are intended for cementless application, with the addition of screw fixation in patients with unusual anatomy and/or extensive bone loss. The system includes a cobalt alloy glenosphere, with titanium glenospheres available for patients with cobalt alloy material sensitivity. Interlok finish humeral stems are intended for cemented use, with MacroBond coated humeral stems with porous coated surface coating available for press-fit or cemented biological fixation applications.

“The Comprehensive Vault Reconstruction System is another example of our commitment to addressing the clinical and unmet needs of shoulder specialists,” said Orsa Britton, vice president and general manager of Zimmer Biomet’s global extremities business. “This innovative, patient-specific implant, coupled with extensive pre-operative planning software, will expand viable treatment options for patients with severe glenoid deformities.”

“The treatment options for extensive glenoid deficiencies were limited to bone grafting or hemi-arthroplasties, both of which were unreliable and had marginal success,” said orthopedic surgeon David Dines, MD, of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS, New York, NY, USA). “Comprehensive VRS represents an important advance in shoulder reconstruction by streamlining and personalizing the implant procedure in hope of more predictable outcomes and results that extend beyond pain relief, to restoring function and improving overall quality of life.”

Related Links:
Zimmer-Biomet
Hospital for Special Surgery