Researchers Create 3D Printed Spacer for Hip Implant Surgery

About half a million Americans undergo hip replacement surgeries each year; about 8% of those, however, are affected by infections that cause the procedure to fail and require a "revision" surgery. Doctors have come up with an idea to resolve infections by implanting a temporary antibiotic-laced bone cement 'spacer' that can eradicate the infection. Chinese and US researchers have developed a procedure to 3D print the spacer using a 'bioceramic' sheath that both fights infection and encourages regrowth of the natural bone. For more details, check out the full article: http://3dprint.com/37426/3d-printed-spacer-for-hip/


Below is a look at a replacement hip ball-and-socket:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...2-1024x455.jpg