Custom design of fracture fixation plates Available to Purchase

Fracture stabilization plates are an essential aspect of orthopedic surgery as they offer support and stability to fractured bones during the healing process. However, traditional manufacturing methods often produce standard designs that may not fully accommodate the unique anatomy of individual patients. This research endeavors to explore the application of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques in the customized design of fracture fixation plates. This includes the use of various materials suitable for medical-surgical purposes, such as polymer-based and biocompatible metal materials. The objective of this approach is to overcome the limitations of conventional manufacturing methods and elucidate the entire workflow for fabricating virtual models of metal-plastic fixation plates for femur fractures. A customized fixation plate is designed based on digital models of a patient’s broken bone, which can be generated through advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) using additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing. The implementation of this approach is supported by an experimental study on medical cases, specifically focusing on custom-designed fracture fixation plates using additive manufacturing for femur fractures. Both plastic and metal prototypes are produced, with UrukTech’s facilities in Baghdad, Iraq being utilized for the plastic prototype. The results demonstrate that precise fitting of the plate to the patient’s anatomy not only improves biomechanical performance but also mitigates potential problems associated with generic, off-the-shelf plates. The ability to design fixation plates according to each patient’s unique anatomy has the potential to revolutionize the field, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and a more personalized approach to fracture management.