Osseus’s AM titanium spinal implant sees first patient use
January 16, 2019
The Aries-L interbody fusion device features a proprietary multi-axis mesh and optimised micro-surface topology (Courtesy Osseus Fusion Systems)
Osseus Fusion Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA, has seen its metal additively manufactured Aries Titanium Spinal Implant used in surgery on a human patient for the first time. Surgeons at Joseph Spine, a centre for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive surgery in Tampa, Florida, USA, implanted the patient-customised device in surgery in early January, 2019.
Osseus’s surgeon-inspired AM spinal implants are designed to fit perfectly with the patient’s anatomy, and can be produced faster and more economically than traditional methods while reportedly providing better patient outcomes. Dr Samuel Joseph Jr, Founder of Joseph Spine, performed the surgery assisted by Dr Andrew Moulton and stated, “Working with Osseus and utilising their technology for spinal implants provides us with a great opportunity for superior patient care.”
“The future of advanced spine care is in the technology of custom implants as well as creating partnerships with doctors to create customised implants,” he continued. “As a surgeon, it’s very exciting to participate in the device development process and see your ideas brought to life so quickly. Today we were able to successfully implement this cutting edge, patient-specific spinal implant that addresses the complex anatomy of the spine and the delicate nature of its surrounding structures. ”
“Through 3D printing we are able to manufacture spinal implants that are customised to the patient. Meaning the size of their disc, the size of their vertebra, how high the vertebra may be, as well as the curvature they may have in their back we are trying to create,” he explained. “With this cutting edge technology we can offer our patients implants such as the Aries L Interbody Fusion Device which can be created at a certain height, a certain length, as well as a certain angle, which offers our patients better, customised care, which results in better outcomes for the patients.”
Robert Pace, CFO at Osseus Fusion Systems, commented, “I’m grateful for the invitation from Dr Sam Joseph to join he and Dr Andrew Moulton, of Joseph Spine, as they implanted the first 3D printed Aries-L lateral interbodies earlier this week. As our research showed in the development process, the visibility through the implant under fluoroscopy was excellent and we are very confident it will assist surgeons in verifying fusions postoperatively. This was a company defining day for Osseus and our appreciation for great surgeons like Drs Joseph and Moulton cannot be overstated.”
The Aries-L interbody fusion device features a proprietary multi-axis mesh and optimised micro-surface topology, both of which are designed to facilitate fusion. The product’s lattice also helps to increase the implant’s porosity to 80%, which enhancing in-situ radiovisibility compared with other titanium implants. The implant’s anatomic profile, anti-migrational teeth and streamlined insertion are said to promote reduced recovery time by helping to increase procedural efficiencies.
