Patient-specific, 3D-printed foot and ankle titanium implants led to fusion in 87 percent of cases, according to a study published in Foot & Ankle International.
Here are four things to know:
1. The study comprised 15 consecutive patients treated with 3D-printed implant cages for severe bone loss, deformity correction and/or arthrodesis procedures. All patients had postoperative radiographs and CT scans to evaluate bony incorporation.
2. CT scans demonstrated radiographic fusion in 13 patients.
3. The two failed cases consisted of one infection and one nonunion.
4. Study authors concluded patient-specific, 3D-printed titanium implants offer a promising approach to lower extremity pain and deformity treatment.