The Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (ORL) of Radboudumc starts a new project with ATRO Medical: 3D-Printed PCU meniscus Prosthesis (3PPP). 3PPP combines the latest developments in sports medicine with the strength of AI. The durable meniscus prosthesis of ATRO Medical will be designed in 3D based on artificial intelligence, developed by the Orthopaedic Research Lab. Thanks to this technology, a scan of the healthy meniscus in one leg can be used to create a meniscus solution for the affected leg. In this way, the side with a lacking meniscus causing severe knee pain can receive a new shock absorber, molded to the individual patient.
Each year, more than 1.2 million American and European patients lose their meniscus due to injury. Many incidents result from sports activities, such as soccer and other contact sports. More than 200,000 patients are left with such a painful knee that they can no longer play sports and sometimes even have to stop working. Only 5 percent of these patients benefit from surgery. The pain of the remaining patients can sometimes be relieved temporarily, but no permanent solution is available for them.
Anatomy of individual patient measures
A meniscal prosthesis can restore shock absorption in the knee to relieve pain and increase the patient's quality of life. ATRO Medical is currently clinically evaluating a standard implant, which is available in five sizes. The next step is a more personalized solution, based on the patient's own anatomy. With the latest developments in imaging techniques, artificial intelligence and 3D printing, this option is actually becoming possible.
Proof of principle
The 3PPP project should provide evidence that AI-based meniscus modeling of MRI images, including the development of the surgical procedure and tools needed, does indeed work (proof of principle). All aspects will be verified in the testing facilities of the Orthopaedic Research Lab of the Department of Orthopedics at the Radboudumc, bringing this technology close to clinical introduction. Maarten van der Zanden, CIO of ATRO Medical: "We are very pleased with the expansion of our collaboration and with the opportunity to discover how AI can be used for knee patients with meniscus problems."
A study of ATRO Medical's first artificial meniscus is currently underway in the Netherlands with 14 patients in three clinics. 3PPP is a two-year SME project, co-funded by Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to stimulate public-private partnerships.
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