Radboudumc and ATRO Medical launch research on AI-generated artificial meniscus

Radboudumc's Orthopaedic Research Lab is starting a new project with ATRO Medical: 3D-Printed PCU Meniscus Prosthesis (3PPP). 3PPP combines the latest developments in sports medicine with the power of AI. ATRO Medical's durable meniscus prosthesis will be modeled 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 meniscus causing severe knee pain can be replaced with 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 occur because of sports activities, such as soccer and other contact sports. More than 200,000 patients sustain such a painful knee that they are unable to 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 normative

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 necessary instruments, 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 extension 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.

• Want to know more about these subjects? Click on the buttons below for more news.

  News homepage news & media