HSS Announces First Provider-based 3D Printing Lab for Complex, Personalized Orthopedic Implants

The top-ranked orthopedic hospital in the U.S. and a leading global medical device manufacturer from Europe today announced the formation of the first provider-based additive manufacturing 3D printing facility for custom complex implants. This innovative collaboration will set the stage to substantially increase the availability and speed of personalized orthopedic care for patients with complex orthopedic conditions in the United States.

Since 2016, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), ranked No. 1 in orthopedics for the past nine years by U.S.News & World Report, has sourced patient-specific custom implants from LimaCorporate (Lima) which is headquartered in Italy. These devices are intended for treatment of highly complex cases. The new facility, to be operated by Lima, will leverage the combination of Lima’s advanced technology and experience, and HSS’ expertise in clinical care and bio mechanical engineering. The collaboration will foster and accelerate innovation in complex orthopedic joint care resulting in new products and solutions for patients across the U.S.

“This is part of a broader, unique ecosystem that HSS is creating to accelerate and extend the advancement of musculoskeletal wellness,” said Louis A. Shapiro, CEO and president of HSS.

“We aim to provide seamless coordination of care to achieve the best patient outcomes for patients with complicated joint reconstruction needs,” said Leonard Achan, RN, MA, ANP, chief innovation officer at HSS. “Having Lima’s technology on campus will allow us to treat our patients more effectively with close collaboration of surgeons, engineers, and custom implant manufacturing, which is crucial when dealing with challenging conditions.”

“The majority of our patients, and joint replacement patients everywhere, have a similar treatment pattern. However the complex patients, the patients who have been living with joint problems for decades who have not found relief elsewhere – now we can offer new options,” said Achan.

Patients will be able to get scanned on-site so their custom implant will be created just for them in the lab. This facility will be accessible to those who need complex implants, not only HSS patients.

Nearly half a century ago, the modern total knee replacement was developed at HSS transforming the lives of millions of patients. Today, HSS surgeons perform over 10,000 hip and knee replacements each year, more than any other hospital in the U.S., and treat many challenging reconstructions and revisions.

Lima will be the registered manufacturer for all devices designed and produced at this new, state-of-the-art facility, located at HSS. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2020 and will initially serve hospitals in the region before making the devices available to all providers in the U.S.