title: RAPID MANUFACTURING SYSTEM OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS.
abstract: This study, aimed the development of a methodology for rapid manufacture of orthopedic implants simultaneously with the surgical intervention, considering two potential applications in the fields of orthopedics: the manufacture of anatomically adapted implants and implants for bone loss replacement. This work innovation consists on the capitation of the in situ geometry of the implant by direct capture of the shape using an elastomeric material (polyvinylsiloxane) which allows fine detail and great accuracy of the geometry. After scanning the elastomeric specimen, the implant is obtained by machining using a CNC milling machine programmed with a dedicated CAD/CAM system. After sterilization, the implant is able to be placed on the patient. The concept was developed using low cost technology and commercially available. The system has been tested in an in vivo hip arthroplasty performed on a sheep. The time increase of surgery was 80 minutes being 40 minutes the time of implant manufacturing. The system developed has been tested and the goals defined of the study achieved enabling the rapid manufacture of an implant in a time period compatible with the surgery time.
authors.affiliation: PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Relvas
authors.affiliation: PhD Student, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Évora, Portugal.
authors.forename: Joana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Évora, Portugal.
authors.forename: José Alberto Caeiro
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Potes
authors.affiliation: PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.
authors.forename: Fernando Manuel Ferreira
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.affiliation: PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: José Antonio Oliveira
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Simões
keywords: Arthroplasty; Bone loss; Prostheses and implants