It’s back to school with Team Kapstone! In August, we picked up educational and inspirational stories in 3D printing, medical device, and orthopedics. Here’s your August “What You Missed” reading list - three articles to Inspire, Equip, and Guide you through the last month:
The RESPONSE™ Spine System, first launched in June of 2015, was designed with the pediatric patient in mind. As of August, it has been used by 35 different surgeons in 32 children’s hospitals across the United States. The system assists surgeons in better correcting pediatric patient scoliosis deformities.
The system also features the Jiminy™ Rod Reducer instrument, which is engineered to snap on and off easily and enables each surgeon to perform reduction and de-rotation techniques for the most complex pediatric spinal deformities.
The human spine is often taken for granted until it can no longer function properly. This row of 33 bones in the back helps us carry out our daily activities; but when spinal stenosis occurs, the spine stops acting as a tool and instead becomes a hindrance.
Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, joints and bones surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. Understandably, it causes pain and functional impairment.
While babies can be born with spinal stenosis, the majority will instead get the condition as a part of the natural aging process. Americans over age 50 are at the greatest risk for developing it. Once acquired, the disease has a significant negative impact on quality of life.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the number of US adults with spinal stenosis in the lumbar area is expected to grow over the next 5 years as the Baby Boomer generation ages. In fact, it is estimated that 2.4 million Americans will be affected by lumbar spinal stenosis by 2021.
In August 2015, the FDA approved the first 3D printed pill. The medicine, a drug for epilepsy, did not previously dissolve easily, making it hard for children and seniors to swallow.
The new version boasts porous layers that make it easily dissolvable, an advantage that only 3D printing can provide. The pill is the latest in a series of 3D printed innovations we’ve brought to you this year, including jaw replicas, tracheas, and hip replacements.
We are also great at educating and guiding you in realizing your medical device idea. In fact, we partner with physician inventors and manufacturers of all sizes to rapidly develop and commercialize new medical devices. Contact Us today to learn how we can help every step of the way.