3D Printing

Cruciate Ligament Damage in 10,000 Dogs Cured with 3D Printing from 3D Systems

Recently, we have reported many advancements around 3D printing in medical care for humans; however, humans are not the only ones that can directly benefit by the advancement of 3D printing technology. 3D Systems has worked together with the Rita Leibinger Medical veterinary experts to develop a rapid and efficient remedy to cruciate ligament damage in canines, resulting in the patent-pending, 3D printed TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) RAPID implant.

3D printed dog ligament implant

Cruciate ligament damage causes older dogs to have difficulties in walking, thus making it impossible – or extremely difficult and painful – for them to play around or take a stroll with their human companions.  Now, the condition’s effects can be countered through a long and difficult rehabilitation process, while the new titanium implant, manufactured in 3D Systems’ facility in Leuven, Belgium, can be rapidly implanted through a relatively simple surgery with the dog recovering completely within six weeks.

TTCThe surgical technique was perfected in collaboration with Dr. Yves Samoy from Ghent University in Belgium and more than 10.000 dogs have already been treated successfully during the first year of the implant’s European release and subsequent distribution in the US.  Now, the TTA RAPID implant is poised for worldwide release, and the team is working on scaled down implants to help even more dogs and smaller-sized cats.

As you can see in the video, the digitally designed and 3D printed titanium implants effectively repairs damage to cruciate ligaments in dogs’ hind legs caused by trauma, degeneration, or genetics. The small metal implant is first inserted into the dog’s lower leg, reorganizing the mechanical forces of the bones and creating dynamic knee stability without the need to repair the damaged ligament.

The reason why this type of surgery is so successful and quick to heal from is that the complex, 3D printed, titanium structure facilitates rapid bone ingrowth, with less risk of infection and other post-surgical complications. We are only beginning to discover the full scope of medical applications of 3D printing and they have already had a revolutionary impact in many aspect of medical care. We now know that this impact can be extended beyond humans.

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