Healthcare Magazine December 2018 | Page 69

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3D Printing

Healthcare providers are set to represent the second largest industry sector in 3D manufacturing . The Food & Drug Administration ’ s decision to release its first comprehensive framework advising manufacturers of 3D medical products highlights its growing impact where more than 100,000 knee replacement surgeries are completed each year using 3D-printed , patient-matched surgical guides , for example . Through this process , surfaces and structures can be optimised for strength , weight and material use . Consultation between surgeons and patients has also been bolstered , where patients can better understand the complexity of his or her specific needs .
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