Belgian company Materialise has invested in Replasia, a firm specializing in custom 3D implants for hip dysplasia in adults. Its flagship product, the Shelf implant, offers a less invasive alternative to total hip replacements. For the patient, this means faster recovery and less pain, preserving the original joint and delaying major surgeries.
Custom 3D Printing for a More Durable Hip 🦴
Replasia designs each Shelf implant based on the patient's exact anatomy, using medical scans to create a piece that fits perfectly. Made from biocompatible materials, the implant is placed through a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. The idea is to correct dysplasia and redistribute the load on the joint, preventing the premature wear that leads to a total replacement. It's precision engineering applied to biology.
Goodbye Bionic Hip, Hello Shelf Implant 😂
Finally, good news for those who fear sounding like a robot when walking. This Shelf implant, which sounds like IKEA furniture, promises to save your original hip from being replaced with a titanium one. Of course, if someone asks about the surgery, you can say you got a shelf put in your joint. At least you won't have to explain why you beep when going through airport security.