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North Yorkshire hospital first in UK to use 3D-printed implants for horses

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 06:31 · Archive

Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton will become the first in the UK to use 3D-printed titanium implants to treat wobbler syndrome in horses.

Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton is to become the first in the UK to use 3D-printed titanium implants to treat wobbler syndrome, a condition where the spinal cord in a horse's neck is compressed between two vertebrae. This compression prevents vital nerve signals travelling from the brain to the limbs, causing affected horses to trip, stumble or fall without warning. Many affected horses are currently euthanised due to the risk of injury.

The hospital has been performing corrective surgery, known as cervical arthrodesis, for 16 years. This procedure fuses the affected vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. By using 3D-printed titanium implants, the hospital expects to improve surgical outcomes and reduce recovery times.

Jonathan Anderson, the hospital's clinical director and equine surgeon, said Rainbow Equine Hospital was 'excited to be leading the UK's ability to perform the most advanced surgical techniques to treat wobbler syndrome'. He spent 18 months training in the new technique, including shadowing surgeons in the United States. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the outlook for some animals, and Rainbow Equine Hospital is one of only a few centres worldwide offering corrective surgery for the condition.

North Yorkshire hospital first in UK to use 3D-printed implants for horses
Image: Gazette & Herald (Malton)

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In this story: Rainbow Equine Hospital · Malton · Jonathan Anderson · VetPartners · United States

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