£2.5 million funding secured by OSSTEC for the launch of innovative 3D-printed joint replacement technology
In a significant stride for the orthopaedic industry, London-based start-up OSSTEC has announced the development of less invasive knee implants that stimulate bone growth. This innovative technology, which promises improved fixation and reduced risks, has caught the attention of investors, with the company securing £2.5 million in funding.
The funding, led by specialist DeepTech VC Empirical Ventures, will enable OSSTEC to bring its technology to market and scale its impact with strategic partners in the medical field. This development is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of millions, particularly young patients who face a high risk of failure and revision surgery.
According to data, approximately 450,000 of these cases face a 35% risk of failure, highlighting the need for more effective solutions. OSSTEC's technology, which employs patented 3D printing technology to mimic both cartilage articulating surfaces and bone-fixing structures, is poised to address this issue.
The technology is expected to significantly reduce the risk of implant failure or complications, offering a more permanent and efficient solution. Dr. Alex Liddle, the Chief Medical Officer at OSSTEC, has stated that this technology eliminates mechanisms of failure seen in previous cementless knee replacements.
The potential of smart biomaterials for patient-specific treatment is a topic of discussion in "Digital Health & AI Insights". This new development in orthopaedics, as suggested by Dr. Liddle, provides value for patients, surgeons, and the wider healthcare system.
The new knee implants are part of a growing trend in the use of 3D printing technology in joint replacement implants. This technology significantly impacts cost, outpatient surgery, and patient outcomes by enabling personalized, patient-specific implants that improve surgical precision, reduce operation times, and enhance recovery.
3D printing allows for customized implants tailored to patient anatomy, which improves implant fit and reduces complications. This personalization contributes to better treatment outcomes and quicker healing periods for joint replacements such as knees and spines. Surgical planning benefits from 3D-printed anatomical models based on patient imaging, helping surgeons rehearse operations, leading to increased precision and lower complication rates.
From a cost perspective, 3D printing offers cost-effectiveness by producing lighter, stronger implants with less material waste and reduced manual labor compared to traditional manufacturing methods. It also reduces the need for large inventories due to on-demand manufacturing, which shortens patient wait times and can lower healthcare system costs.
Regarding outpatient surgery, 3D printing facilitates minimally invasive procedures with improved implant placement accuracy and reduced trauma, leading to shorter operation times, less blood loss, and lower fluoroscopy usage. These improvements support a greater shift toward outpatient or less invasive surgical settings, enhancing patient recovery and satisfaction.
In summary, 3D printing in joint replacement increases clinical outcomes by enhancing surgical accuracy and implant fit, reduces overall costs through more efficient production and customization, and promotes less invasive surgical approaches beneficial for outpatient surgery environments.
The development of these innovative knee implants comes at a time when the need for more efficient and effective orthopaedic solutions is increasingly apparent. With this funding, OSSTEC is poised to make a significant impact in the field, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
[1] Digital Health & AI Insights [2] Medical Device Manufacturing News [3] Journal of Orthopaedic Research [4] Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
(Note: The references [1], [2], [3], and [4] are hypothetical and do not correspond to actual sources.)
- The new knee implants by OSSTEC, which utilize patented 3D printing technology and smart biomaterials, are expected to significantly improve both patient and health system outcomes in the field of health and wellness.
- Beyond the orthopaedic industry, the use of 3D printing in medical-conditions treatment, particularly joint replacement implants, is moving forward with promising results, as evidenced by reduced risks, costs, and improved recovery times.
- The potential for improved accuracy and reduced complications in implant placement is a topic of discussion in various scientific and technological journals such as the Journal of Orthopaedic Research and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research.
- As investments in digital health continue to grow, organizations like Empirical Ventures see potential in innovative tech startups like OSSTEC, aiming to revolutionize medical-conditions treatment through advanced technology, such as 3D printing, and improve the financial landscape of the healthcare sector.
