Background
For the last 10 years, the University has been working
on the manufacture of porous medical devices for use
in hip and knee implant cases. The devices developed
differ from standard devices in that they contain
specifically engineered porous materials made by
Additive Manufacturing (AM) and allow optimised bone
in-growth into the implant from the host tissue. We
have been working closely with a leading implant
manufacturer to develop the commercial manufacturing
process for these unique clinical materials.
The project
Continuous collaborative research and development
on the devices and the techniques used in their
manufacture has resulted in new products for both
the implant manufacturer and for the developer of the
precision manufacturing equipment required to produce
the implants. The University has been closely involved
in every step of this successful commercial venture,
assisting with all things from fundamental research and
development through process capability to Intellectual
Property (IP) portfolio development and technology
licensing. It is hoped that following extensive
verification, the new implants will be on sale and
implanted within 12 months.
The fundamental research and subsequent
developments will impact in many areas including;
improvement in patient quality of life, future
developments of new treatments for osteoarthritis,
trauma and spinal surgery.
Outcomes
•
Patients who receive these new high performance
joints are less likely to require revision surgery
•
Potential spin-out of manufacturing techniques to
other areas and the use of the porous materials in
other medical or non-medical applications.
00
Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
CASE STUDY
Porous medical devices
Partner
Not disclosed
Activity type
Contract research, Intellectual Property (IP)
Academic lead(s)
Dr Chris Sutcliffe, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Centre for
Materials and Structures
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