3D-Printed Implants Create Buzz at Annual Spine Meeting

DePuy Synthes launched a new portfolio at the North American Spine Society meeting that includes 3D-printed titanium interbody implants for spinal fusion. Globus Medical also introduced a new family of 3D-printed implants that is expected to help the company close an important competitive gap.

While robots and navigation systems tend to hog most of the spotlight at large spine gatherings like the recent North American Spine Society (NASS) meeting, 3D-printed implants also created plenty of buzz in Chicago, IL last week.

Among the companies showing off 3D-printed devices were Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) orthopedic business, Warsaw, IN-based DePuy Synthes. The company launched a platform of 3D-printed titanium interbody implants made possible by J&J’s 2018 acquisition of Wurmlingen, Germany-based Emerging Implant Technologies (EIT).

DePuy said its 3D-printed Conduit implants are 80% porous, enabling them to mimic the natural bone structure and facilitate spinal fusion. The Conduit implants also include a nanoscale surface roughness that may lead to an increase in adhesion of osteoblasts compared to conventional titanium materials; EIT cellular titanium material with a modulus of elasticity similar to cancellous bone; and clear visualization of the space in and around the implant both intra- and post-operatively on X-ray, CT scan, and MRI without significant interference as a result of the structure of the interbody cage.

Meanwhile, Globus Medical introduced its Hedron family of 3D-printed spacers. From an implant perspective, Needham & Co.’s Mike Matson said in a Sept. 27 report that this was the Audubon, PA-based company’s most significant introduction at NASS 2019.

By Amanda Pedersen | MD+DI

Image Credit: DePuy Synthes 

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About Peter Coffaro 472 Articles
A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 25 years of progressive management success within the medical device industry. Recognized by the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com as one of the top medical sales influencers in the industry; he has 10 years of combined sales management experience and has held positions as a Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. Peter has worked for some of the top orthopedic companies in the world - Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker. He is also the founder of OrthoFeed: a popular blog that covers digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson and has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University.

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