Here are five insights:
1. Mr. Sealy has two metal screws in his elbow from when he had surgery in fifth grade. This sparked his interest in innovative implant development.
2. The implant aims to eliminate the need for follow-up procedures that are required to remove screws, pins and plates.
3. Mr. Sealy is using the first 3D printer to combine magnesium with other materials. Magnesium is abundant in the body and degrades when exposed to oxygen, water and salts.
4. To ensure the magnesium does not dissolve before the bone is healed, Mr. Sealy is applying the laser shock peening process. The 3D printer allows researchers to print metals while also using other manufacturing treatments, including the peening process.
5. The 3D printer also eliminates most of the oxygen, moisture and other factors that may react with the magnesium. Mr. Sealy has combined the two printing processes for steel, titanium and aluminum implants. He plans to begin developing the magnesium implant in 2019.
More articles on surface technology:
Mighty Oak Medical receives FDA clearance for midline navigation guide: 3 things to know
1st surgery performed using Implanet UK’s posterior fixation system: 3 insights
U of New Mexico researchers developing 3D-printed ligaments as reconstructive surgery alternative: 5 notes
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