More than ten thousand dogs were implanted with the revolutionary orthopedic TTA RAPID® implant, which was made by 3D Systems' Direct Metal Printing Process (DMP) and designed by Rita Leibinger Medical.
 
Since 2012, 3D Systems and Rita Leibinger Medical, an innovative veterinary drug company, have jointly developed a revolutionary orthopedic knee implant designed specifically for dogs: TTA RAPID. This small, precise 3D printed titanium implant has been successfully installed on nearly 10,000 dogs with cruciate ligament problems, ranging from small dogs such as Jack Russell Terriers to large dogs such as Great Danes. Within a few weeks, these dogs will be able to walk, run, and play as if nothing bad has happened—in stark contrast to the long recovery required for traditional treatment. "The new TTA RAPID implant radically simplifies the surgical procedure of the dog's hind limbs and helps the dog to resume daily activities by providing a better and longer-lasting stable knee joint." Peter, Division Manager of Technology and Application Development, 3D Systems Mercelis said.
 
Let the dogs run free again
 
"When you see your dog in pain and having difficulty walking, it's really heartbreaking," said Gordon Buschle, marketing manager at Rita Leibinger Medical. Dogs with disabilities are often diagnosed with cruciate ligament problems, which leads to knee instability. The knee joint connects the femur to the tibia of the hind limb; it is equivalent to the human knee. Cruciate ligament problems are generally caused by trauma, degeneration or genetic reasons. Unstable knee joints usually greatly limit the range of motion of dogs, so it is difficult for them to run or even walk.
 
But TTA RAPID (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) can be performed by 3D Systems' fast and precise direct metal printing. The results are remarkable, and thousands of dogs have been successfully treated. The key to the success of this breakthrough implant stems from its complex and open structure, which can only be produced by 3D printing. The implant is made of titanium printing. This structure promotes rapid bone ingrowth, which has greater stability and faster recovery. Dogs need anesthesia for a shorter time, and there will be fewer and more infection possibilities than the previous procedure.
 
"The veterinarian will perform a very precise local excision on the trochanteric tibia," Buschle explained. "The veterinarian will then place a titanium implant of the correct size into the excised site as a wedge. This modified bone shape can indirectly reorganize the mechanical force at the knee joint to create dynamic stability of the knee joint. This is just like TTA RAPID enables dogs to walk and run freely within six weeks after surgery.
 
Crucial 3D printed titanium implants
 
Merchlis explained: “TTA RAPID series implants are made by direct metal printing of titanium powder through DMP. The implants can have a variety of sizes to meet the needs of various dogs and dogs. The size of the implants is passed The color-coded implants are very easy to identify after anodizing."
 
Yves Samoy is a postdoctoral assistant in the Department of Orthopedic Veterinary Medical Imaging at Ghent University in Belgium. He was the first to participate in the development and application of TTA RAPID implants. He said, "The advantage of this new titanium implant is its shape and strength, as well as a relatively simple and clear surgical procedure. I regularly implant TTA RAPID for 5-85 kg dogs, and the success rate of the operation is very high. , And the effect is very good.” Relying on its ability to incorporate the greatest complexity into small things, the implant forms a precise and stable element in the bone, which fundamentally improves the long-term performance of the dog’s movement.
 
The potential of the cross-field market is huge
 
Buschle concluded, "One year after the commercial launch, nearly 10,000 TTA RAPIDs were implanted. We saw the great potential of TTA RAPID, which allowed many dogs that suffered cruciate ligament injuries to regain their mobility. TTA RAPID The success of implants has also led to the development of other similar implants for medical applications. For example, the new product line of TTA RAPID micro-implants are mainly used in cats and dogs."
 
TTA RAPID is a patented technology of Rita Leibinger GmbH in Europe, which is also under patent application in the United States.