3D Printing Impact on the Orthopedic Shoulder Replacement Global Supply Chain

Abstract

The goal of this work was to investigate a novel new technology being used to improve total shoulder replacements in patients with difficult to treat anatomy. The new technology is the use of three-dimensional (3D) implant creations that can be tailored to a patient’s specific shoulder defects as opposed to shelf, standard size implants. The project will help provide management direction to improve the efficiency in the global supply system so that surgeons in various parts of the world may have access to surgical components in the shortest time without significant delay. The study findings were that hindrances to 3D adoption for just-in-time surgical usage primarily include difficulties with sterilization and lack of a global validation metric when performed at multiple international centers, as opposed to one location in a single country. This research topic has a direct clinical impact to improve patient quality of life and decrease their period of pain and suffering, while awaiting a total shoulder replacement.