EOS Highlights Laser-sintered Orthopedic Implants at AAOS

By DE Editors

At this year’s American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting, EOS has a working direct metal laser-sintering system (DMLS) in operation at its booth with a variety of plastic and metal medical devices on display. Parts exhibited include customized surgical drill guides reflecting patient-specific geometry, bone rasp samples, and prototype stainless steel surgical tools. The latest test results for customized PEEK implant manufacturing is also available. The show runs Feb. 15-19 at the San Diego, CA, Convention Center.

“Our offerings at the AAOS meeting demonstrate just how mature laser-sintering is now,” says Martin Bullemer, EOS manager for medical business development. “Metal and plastics laser-sintering have clearly become enabling technologies for medical products.” 

EOS plastic and metal laser-sintering systems allow medical designers to tailor parts specifically for doctors and patients using 3D data generated by MRI, CT, and/or CAD. Modern data preparation software in combination with laser-sintering can be used to create complex geometries, porous surfaces suitable for better osteointegration or lightweight structures to promote better patient comfort, according to EOS.

Other EOS-related activities at the AAOS meeting include:

• Morris Technologies Inc., exhibiting across the aisle from EOS, announced that, in collaboration with Kapstone Medical, they will soon file with the FDA for 510(k) pre-market notification for the first DMLS-generated titanium implant.
• WITHIN Technologies Ltd. will be visiting the show. Its FEA/CAD optimization software works in tandem with plastic and metal laser-sintering systems, such as those from EOS, to create lightweight parts, including innovative lattice structures.

Fore more information, visit EOS.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.