Back pain is a big problem. Throughout the industrialized countries, the percentage of the population suffering from chronic back problems lies somewhere between sixty and seventy. Fortunately, there may be some relief on the horizon that comes particularly close to home for our 3D printing company in Seattle.
There have been some significant developments recently in the field of 3D bioprinting, which is bringing us closer to printing out artificial cartilage. Once this comes to fruition, it could represent quite the boon for people suffering from cartilage degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. A 3D printed cartilage replacement could be made to perfectly fit the bones of a patient, restoring functionality like never before.
Unfortunately, this technology is still fairly immature. It may take another five years before it can move on to the stage of controlled clinical human testing. However, it remains a promising innovation for anyone plagued with chronic back pain and another positive outlook on the limitless possibilities of 3D printing.
