Cutting-edge 3D printed joint replacement technology set for launch, thanks to OSSTEC securing £2.5 million in funding
Revolutionary 3D Printing Technology Transforms Knee Replacements
In a groundbreaking development, OSSTEC, a London-based start-up, is set to revolutionize the field of orthopaedics with its innovative 3D printing technology. This technology, according to Dr. Alex Liddle, the Chief Medical Officer at OSSTEC, eliminates mechanisms of failure seen in previous cementless knee replacements and promises improved fixation and reduced risks in orthopaedics.
The technology focuses on customized, patient-specific implants produced using metal additive manufacturing methods like Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). This approach enables the fabrication of complex titanium alloy or cobalt-chromium implants tailored precisely to the patient’s anatomy and biomechanical needs.
Key developments in this field include the use of laser 3D-printed total knee implants, advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to design implants personalized to a patient’s unique knee condition, and 3D-printed anatomical models for pre-surgical planning and rehearsal. These advancements, along with improvements in cost-effectiveness and production speed, are set to transform knee replacement surgeries.
OSSTEC's technology, for instance, has led to the development of patented 3D printing technology to mimic both cartilage articulating surfaces and bone-fixing structures. This innovative approach is expected to significantly reduce the risk of implant failure or complications.
The funding round for OSSTEC, led by DeepTech VC Empirical Ventures, will advance the company to launch in the market and scale its impact with strategic partners in the medical field. The first product from OSSTEC applies this technology in less invasive knee implants to stimulate bone growth.
The benefits of this new technology are far-reaching. According to Dr. Liddle, cementless partial knee replacement offers advantages over cemented techniques, including improved efficient workflows, survival, and clinical outcomes. In fact, 450,000 of these cases are young patients who face a high risk of failure and revision surgery (35%). The new development, therefore, offers value for patients, surgeons, and the wider healthcare system.
Osteoarthritis, which causes chronic pain for billions of people worldwide, is a significant concern. With over 1.3 million knee replacement surgeries performed globally each year, the potential impact of this technology is immense. The discussion about the potential of smart biomaterials for patient-specific treatment is gaining traction, and OSSTEC's technology is a significant step in this direction.
In the UK, HCA has become the first provider of an advanced robotic-assisted method for thoracic patients, further demonstrating the potential of technology in healthcare. The Development Bank of Wales has also supported a medtech business with a £500k investment, indicating a growing interest in this field.
Empirical Ventures' funding round for OSSTEC remains open for further investment, and it is expected that this technology will soon be making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape. The future of knee replacements is here, and it's personalized, biomechanically optimized, and supported by AI and imaging-driven design.
- OSSTEC's innovative 3D printing technology, focused on patient-specific implants, is poised to revolutionize the field of orthopaedics, offering improved fixation and reduced risks.
- The financing secured by OSSTEC through Empirical Ventures will aid in launching their technology in the market and collaborating with medical partners to scale its impact.
- The potential benefits of this technology extend beyond knee replacement surgeries, as it addresses a significant concern like osteoarthritis, which causes chronic pain for billions of people worldwide.
- The growth in investments and advancements in technology in healthcare, such as OSSTEC's 3D printing technology, demonstrate a promising future for personalized, biomechanically optimized treatments supported by AI and imaging-driven design.
