Samara scientists explore prosthetic articulation 3D printing technology

The group of Samara scientists has developed a prosthetic articulation 3D printing technology. The unique technique has been already patented, and specialists are beginning animal clinical investigations.

3D printed titanium prostheses will help to cure patients with arthrosis (dystrophic joint disease) and those hurting joints caused by traumas. Prosthesis is created according to customer’s individual factors. Besides, the unique 3D printing technology allows to replace joints with various features on different areas. Well, a part contacting with a bone should be osculiferous to make bone tissue grow through it and to fix a joint reliably. In turn, an articular surface becomes as smooth as possible to reduce the rubbing effect.

Prosthesis modeling and printing require around two full days. A ready-made product complies with clinical requirements and perfectly fits a certain patient.

Currently, scientists can make only small joints. But they are planning to print bigger objects: knee joints or hip bone fragments.

The development has successfully passed pre-clinical trials, and the next thing will be clinical ones. Then, scientists are going to commercialize the project and produce customized prosthesis cost approximately 50 000 RUB.