3D Printed Knee Cartilage

[Brian_Krassenstein]

A team of researchers at both the Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University have discovered a feasible way to 3D print a substitute for the meniscus. Hoping to alleviate many of the issues that come along with the modern surgery for repairing and removing part of the damaged or arthritic knee cartilage, the scientists have found a way to 3D print a substitute for the tissue using alginate, which is able to toughen previously used hydrogels and make them highly functional. The 3D printed hydrogels are able to produce a substitute that is strong and able to perform as a load bearing tissue substitute. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/101359/3d-printed-knee-cartilage/

[coolman]

Hello,
Is this method applicable to hip cartilage and hip labrum (similar to knee meniscus)? I have a hip labrum tear and hip cartilage getting started to have defects. I wonder how many years should we wait for this kind of treatments?
Thanks

[Michael Herd]

Is there a way to ensure that the 3D printed meniscus is sterile?
It will need to be free of bacteria and viruses to allow a surgeon to insert it.

[curious aardvark]

pretty sure they already know that :-)