3D Printing for Dog Surgery Receives Funding Boost

Fusion Implants, a spin-out company from the University of Liverpool, will use cash from The North West Fund for Venture Capital to 3D print a portion of the tibia on dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. Rupture of the CCL remains one of the most common orthopedic problems seen in veterinary practices around the world. It causes hind knee pain, lameness and arthritis, if left untreated.

CCL surgery involves a portion of bone being removed from the tibia to allow the restructuring of the angle of the knee joint, which is subsequently held in place by an implant.

Fusion Implants’ patented technology allows the mass manufacture of porous titanium implants. This encourages the bone to grow into the implant, forming a natural bond and considerably improving performance.

“The use of 3D printing gives greater design freedom than conventional manufacturing techniques and also allows us to combine solid and porous sections for optimum strength and biological performance,” explained Dr. Dan Jones from the university’s school of engineering.

The new device, which is the result of a collaboration between the university’s schools of engineering and veterinary science, will be launched nationally within the coming months.

Fusion Implants will use the funding to roll out its current product, employ a design engineer and finance new product development.

“Our future plans include working closely with our veterinary surgeon customers to provide the next generation of animal implants. In particular we will be working on a range of hip implants to suit specific breeds,” said Jones.

Source: 3D Printing World