Here are 10 key updates in surface technology in the past month.
1. Oxford Performance Materials released results of an in vitro study that noted a definitive relationship between OPM's 3D-printed PEKK material, OsteoFab, and bone regeneration. The results demonstrated strong evidence of new bone formation.
2. Gadsden, Ala.-based Northeast Orthopedics is adapting 3D-printed removable plastic casts for orthopedic patients. New startup ActivArmor designed the casts with webbed features to guard against bacteria sticking to the skin and prevent itchiness that is common with traditional casts.
3. Orthopedic and spine device company 4Web Medical closed a financing round to support growth in the next five years. The company plans to use the funding to invest in product development and clinical research. The FDA recently granted 4Web clearance for its spine interbody fusion device with 3D printing technology.
4. Former orthopedic spine surgeon and founder of Titan Spine, Peter Ullrich, MD, won an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Midwest Award. Ernst & Young recognized innovation with Titan Spine implants and how Dr. Ullrich's designs have impeded the plastic-focused spinal implant industry.
5. Chinese researchers are developing 3D-printed bionic bones with advanced biological features and mechanical strength for orthopedic implants. They studied how to use 3D printing to develop customized bone scaffolds and collaborated with technology companies to create 3D bionic bone printing machines.
6. NuVasive launched Modulus TLIF-O, a porous titanium spine implant to be used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions. It features porous surface technology that provides a supportive environment for bone ingrowth and bone ongrowth.
7. MedTech Outlook Magazine recognized Centinel Spine as one of the Top 10 Orthopedic Solution Providers in 2019. The company's most recent developments — FLX devices — are 3D-printed porous titanium interbody implants designed to reduce stiffness and increase visibility.
8. Zavation received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its Ti3Z Interbody System for spinal fusions. The titanium implant is intended to treat degenerative disc disease with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis after patients have had six months of failed non-operative treatment.
9. University of California San Francisco Surgical Innovations partnered with PrinterPrezz in an initiative to bring innovative medical devices to the forefront faster. A co-located center at PrinterPrezz was established, offering engineering and manufacturing access as well as an open ecosystem of technology that encourages the commercialization of new ideas quicker.
10. New Delhi, India-based orthopedic implant manufacturer, Siora Surgicals, released its range of titanium locking bone plates, suited for different bones of the human anatomy. The product range includes locking plates for hand surgery, distal radius locking plates, small and large fragment locking plates and variable angle locking plates.