Custom Upper Limb Implants

The Meshworks design and manufacturing platform has been expanded to include a series of custom upper limb implants and instruments for orthopaedic surgeries.

Custom implants have the potential to improve patient outcomes in upper limb and hand and wrist surgery through greater choice of implant design. Each implant is individually designed to closely follow the contours of the patient’s anatomy. Custom cutting guides and anatomical models are provided to help simplify and speed up surgeries.

Surgeons input into the design process, meeting with bioengineers to visualise the planned implant and develop the treatment plan. After the design is finalised, implants are manufactured using 3D printing.

Upper limb surgeons have been active collaborators in the development of Meshworks implants, ensuring the implants are a good fit for use in surgery. Each stage of the design and manufacturing process is validated, verified, and accredited to ISO 13485.

Meshworks’ approach to the design and manufacture of implants sets it apart from other manufacturers. From the very first design meeting, surgeons are involved in achieving the best outcomes for their patients, while the expertise of the Meshworks team is applied to deliver superior hand and wrist implants and surgical cutting guides using advanced technologies. All of the Meshworks hand and wrist implants adhere to stringent regulatory and quality control requirements within the IIb and IIa classifications of medical devices.

Improving patient outcomes

Cutting guide to aid surgery

Improved Usability

Auxiliary plastic guides matching the implant geometry are provided, along with anatomical replicas which show the planned surgical steps. The guide parts can be sterilised and taken into surgery to help planning.

Distal radius correction plate

Surface Properties

Surfaces are polished smooth to prevent pain due to soft tissue irritation.

Plate with osteotomy wedge

Material Properties

As well as a proven history of biocompatibility, titanium-based alloys have mechanical properties suited to implantation into bone. Their elastic modulus is closer to that of bone when compared with stainless steel, reducing stress shielding.

Distal radius plates to be fixed with locking and/or compression screws

Distal Radius Plates

A titanium alloy implant with a customised geometry which screws into the radius. Commonly used to fix a poorly set fracture with an accompanying wedge.

Osteotomy plate and wedge to be fixed with locking and/or compression screws

Forearm Correction Plates

A complex additively manufactured titanium alloy plate, for use when two bones require fusion to provide stability and alleviate pain. Fully customisable geometry and screw locations.

Cutting guide

Cutting Guides

Additively manufactured metal or polymer guides help surgeons make precise cuts and accurately place implants during complex surgeries. These are designed along with the implants, conforming to the bone surfaces for an accurate fit.

Anatomical model of wrist

Anatomical Models

Additively manufactured custom polymer anatomical models which are used to help convey the surgical plans to the patient. These models are replicas of the actual bones, which means that cutting guides can be used to practice surgical techniques.