Florida doctor implants US-first metal additively manufactured finger bone replacement

News
August 15, 2019

August 15, 2019

The shattered distal phalanx of Smith’s middle finger (left) was replaced with a metal AM implant (right)

Dr Daniel Penello, of Alexander Orthopaedic Associates, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, has successfully implanted what is said to be the US’s first metal additively manufactured finger bone implant, reports Fox 13 News. The implant was designed for patient Robert Smith, whose middle distal phalanx was shattered in an ironworking accident in 2017.

Smith was initially presented with the choice to live with the injury – which reportedly left him with no function and little feeling in the affected finger – or to opt for amputation of the digit. However, following further research and with the assistance of Additive Orthopaedics, Little Silver, New Jersey, USA, Dr Penello was instead able to develop and metal additively manufacture a finger bone implant custom-designed to fit Smith’s measurements.

According to local news station WINK, the implant was produced on a GE Additive Arcam Q20plus system by FIT America. Following the surgery, Smith is reported to have regained full mobility in the affected finger and has been able to return to work. 

www.alexanderorthopaedics.com 

www.additiveorthopaedics.com 

News
August 15, 2019

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Kennametal: The story of the successful commercialisation of AM hardmetal and steel solutions
  • General Atomics Aeronautical on metal Additive Manufacturing’s place at the centre of the digital manufacturing revolution
  • Adrian Keppler on Additive Manufacturing: An insider’s assessment from the outside
  • Metal AM’s journey to industrialisation: Are we there yet? And what does the destination even look like?
  • A stronger future, layer by layer: How next-generation software will drive adoption of metal AM
  • Volkmann: Making the case for the complete automation of powder handling in AM
  • Metal AM on an industrial scale: GKN Additive draws on decades of sintering expertise to commercialise Binder Jetting
  • International Conference on Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing: Highlights from EBAM 2023

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap