An Australian orthopedics company developed a hybrid osseointegration (OI) approach that can use custom 3D-printed and off-the shelf (OTS) components in upper- and lower-limb surgeries. Osseointegration International’s OPL prosthesis system was designed by surgeon Munjed Al Muderis and is “modelled on the anatomy of the human body that takes the load back to the femur and hip joint when walking,” the company says.
The OPL system has more than 150 sizes to make the implants suitable for most patients. Osseointegration International also recently launched a new type of titanium rod to further increase the OTS options while still allowing for customization when required by the patient’s anatomy or the complexity of the trauma.
“Although in our practice, we use customized prostheses and appreciate the benefits, we acknowledge the need for solutions that avoid further costs for amputated patients,” said Al Muderis. “The range of sizes of OPL, combined with a solid infrastructure to develop customized solutions when needed, is the optimum approach to guarantee the most effective service to our patients.”
The trend toward customization is growing in the United States, but healthcare professionals outside the country cite higher costs and longer wait times as “unwelcome by-products of this innovation,” Osseointegration International said. OPL customization will be provided through a partnership with Permedica Orthopaedics, an orthopedic implant company that recently formed a business unit specializing in the design and manufacture of 3D-printed implants.
