4WEB Medical Launches 3D Printed Foot and Ankle Implants

3D-printed implant devicemaker 4WEB Medical announced last week the launch of its Osteotomy Truss System — a set of 74 different sizes of foot and ankle implants. The system was developed for internal bone fixation and osteotomies in the foot and ankle, the company said.

Other available osteotomy wedge systems offer roughly 15 to 18 implant sizes, the Frisco, Texas devicemaker said, which could limit a surgeon's ability to choose an ideal implant for their surgical needs.

The system was designed using proprietary 3D-printed truss implant technology. The intricate truss designs that are possible using the system can’t be produced with technology such as machining and cast molding, which currently are used by most medical device companies, 4WEB said.

Foot and Ankle Surgeon John Crates compared the design to the technology used in bridges, skyscrapers and airplane wings. “Truss designs provide strong structural support and integrity when implanted within the body with the goal of sustaining angular corrections,” he said.

4WEB president Jessee Hunt said that the demand for the product has been demonstrated as surgeons have already used 55 of the 74 sizes in surgeries. — Kellen Owings

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