Smith & Nephew unveils 3D-printed titanium hip

Smith & Nephew has showcased the new REDAPT revision Acetabular Fully Porous Cup with CONCELOC Technology at the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons Annual Meeting in Orlando.

This REDAPT cup is used in revision cases, where compromised bone makes implant fixation and stability more difficult.

In order to create ingrowth, an additive, or 3D, manufacturing process produces a porous impact, which mimics the structure of cancellous bone and locking screws are then used to enhance implant stability.

Vice-president of global reconstruction at Smith & Nephew Mike Donoghue said: "We're excited about the creative possibilities this new manufacturing process holds for surgeons and their patients."

Mr Donoghue continued that bringing the 3D-printed titanium acetabular cup to the market is the first example of what looks to be technology with a lot of potential.

The CONCELOC Advanced Porous Titanium technology is now an alternative to external porous coatings, which include sintered beads or fiber mesh that are used in other uncemented implants to allow for bone ingrowth.