Exactech transitions manufacturing to 3D laser printing

Exactech, a developer and producer of innovative implants, instrumentation, and computer-assisted technologies for joint replacement surgery, has transitioned its Equinoxe Stemless Shoulder to a 3D laser printing manufacturing process.

The Stemless Shoulder, a bone-conserving anatomic total shoulder prosthesis, is now being manufactured using direct metal printing with high precision lasers to create its porous bone cage. The implant previously was created with 3D printing through electron beam melting (EBM).

“We have been incredibly pleased with our original EBM Stemless Shoulder implant and the early positive clinical feedback we received from our surgeon customers,” says Chris Roche, Exactech Vice President of Extremities. “The new laser-printed device is built on this solid foundation while also allowing us to ramp up production.”

Orthopedic surgeons Curtis Noel and Stephanie Muh, MD were the first to perform the surgeries with this leading-edge implant earlier this month.

“I am very proud to be one of the first to implant the laser-printed Stemless Shoulder,” Noel says. “The bone-conserving design, along with its compatibility to the Equinoxe Shoulder System, make this a great solution for both patients and surgeons.”

“One of my favorite features of the Stemless implant is its bone cage structure, designed to provide initial press-fit fixation while also allowing for bone-through growth. That intentional design element, along with the porous structure being designed to mimic the trabecular nature of cancellous bone, differentiates it from competitors,” Muh says.

Exactech plans to transition all U.S. Stemless Shoulder procedures to its laser-printed devices throughout the rest of the year.