The Chinese company Wedo Bio-Medical Technology has developed a new type of spinal implant that is manufactured using 3D printing. Thanks to an open-pored titanium alloy with a hydroxyapatite coating, the implant is said to be particularly well tolerated and stable.
As Wedo Bio-Medical Technology explains, the complex structured implants were produced on 3D printing machines from the Chinese supplier Bright Laser Technologies (BLT). Close collaboration made it possible to develop an optimal manufacturing process that ensures the mechanical and biological properties of the implant.
Clinical studies with over 200 patients showed that after six months, significantly more fusion processes had taken place between the implant and bone than with conventional products. According to Wedo Bio-Medical Technology, this proves the medical benefits of the customized 3D printed implants.
Both Bright Laser Technologies and Wedo Bio-Medical want to continue the partnership in order to develop further patient-specific products for the orthopaedic field. It is hoped that metal 3D printing technology will lead to significant advances in the treatment of bone defects.
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