TER – Arthroplasty of the elbow joint

Description

What is Total Elbow Replacement (TER)?

TER is a surgical procedure in which a severely arthritic elbow joint is replaced with a prosthesis. Unlike most off-the-shelf cemented stem implants, customized TER implants can be designed for cementless fixation depending on the clinical situation, enabling less invasive surgical techniques. The goal of TER is to replicate elbow joint function while eliminating pain associated with end-stage osteoarthritis.

Advantages of Custom TER Elbow Implants

High Precision
Advanced 3D preoperative planning ensures accurate implant placement and secure fixation. Custom surgical guides significantly reduce operating time and enhance the accuracy of implant positioning.

Anatomy-Matched Design
The prosthesis is designed using patient-specific CT scans, enabling precise anatomical and biomechanical restoration for each individual patient.

Minimally Invasive Approach
The custom-fit design of TER implants allows surgeons to operate with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, accelerating recovery and minimizing complication risks.

Superior Material Quality
Implants are produced using 3D-printed titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V Grade 23 ELI), known for its high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. These qualities are essential for long-term durability and successful osseointegration.

Personalized Treatment Plan
Custom TER implants empower surgeons to execute treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and pathology, enhancing outcomes and recovery.

Workflow: From Design to Recovery

1. Consultation
   A veterinary orthopedic surgeon assesses the patient’s condition and determines eligibility for joint replacement.

2. CT Imaging
   High-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed anatomical data used to construct a precise 3D model of the affected joint.

3. Implant and Guide Design

   • CT segmentation and detailed anatomical analysis

   • Collaborative planning between surgeon and biomedical engineer

   • 3D modeling of the implant and surgical guides

   • Surgeon approval of all designs

   • Fabrication of anatomical models, prototypes, and guides via polymer 3D printing for pre-surgical evaluation

4. Implant and Guide Fabrication

   • Final implant produced via 3D printing in titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V Grade 23 ELI)

   • Surgical guides manufactured from NextDent SG photopolymer (CE-certified, Class I medical device with steam sterilization compatibility)

   • Final quality control and delivery to the surgical team

5. Surgical Procedure
   A skilled orthopedic surgeon performs the elbow reconstruction using the custom ITAP implant and guides to ensure precision and optimal function.

6. Rehabilitation
   Post-operative rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, is critical to restoring limb function. Strict adherence to veterinary recommendations is essential for successful recovery.

This advanced treatment allows pets with severe elbow joint degeneration to regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to a better quality of life.