More and more 3D printed medical devices have been receiving 510(k) clearance lately, which is exciting as it shows that 3D printing is gaining a stronger foothold in the medical industry. 3D printing is becoming less of a radical experiment and more of a mainstream means of treatment, whether it’s being used for foot and ankle implants, spinal implants or others. The effectiveness of the technology is being recognized, which is great news for the millions of people for whom conventional treatments aren’t sufficient to relieve their pain.
The Zyston Strut Open Titanium Interbody Spacer System is a series of lumbar cages that are designed to enhance the strength, graft capacity and visualization of the interbody spacer in spinal fusion cases. They will be available in multiple sizes to account for the wide variety in human anatomy as well as in surgical approaches, and will also include surgical instruments for insertion, manipulation and removal of the implants.
“The Zyston Strut Open Titanium Interbody Spacer System is available in straight and curved profiles and is uniquely designed to provide surgeons with an option that optimizes the balance of strength and graft capacity in spinal fusion cases,” said board certified orthopaedic surgeon Frank Schwab, MD. “I have worked with a variety of Zimmer Biomet’s spine products and am looking forward to offering my fusion patients this latest innovation.”
It’s encouraging to see a well-established company like Zimmer Biomet turning to 3D printing. Last year the company received FDA clearance for a 3D printed ankle fusion system, and the fact that it is now introducing a spinal implant shows that the company is serious about the technology.
“The Zyston Strut Open Titanium Spacer is manufactured using a 3D printing process, which allows us to create a unique cage architecture that maximizes graft volume prior to implantation,” said Rebecca Whitney, General Manager of Zimmer Biomet’s Spine division. “The System marks our first 3D printed titanium spinal implant and adds to our comprehensive offering of lumbar spacers that are available in PEEK-Optima, Trabecular Metal Technology and allograft.”
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