Iranian Scientists Use AI, 3D Printing to Produce Spinal Equipment

“At present, we have two main products, one of which is an intervertebral cage and the other is spinal guides,” said Kousha Abdollah Faridani, a member of the knowledge-based company.

Explaining about the intervertebral cage, he said, “This piece is used when the doctor diagnoses that the disc should be removed from the body for any reason, such as the growth of a cancerous tumor. After the disc is removed, a replacement piece is needed, and we have designed this cage to be placed between the two vertebrae and maintain the appropriate distance. This part must also have a specific geometry and be of the right material.”

“We have designed this cage in an innovative way and by using 3D printing technology. The porosity created in the cage structure is such that bone tissue quickly penetrates it and the part is integrated with the bone. This feature prevents the cage from slipping after implantation and will stabilize it over time,” Abdollah Faridani said.

He elaborated on the company’s second product which is spinal guides, saying, “When the doctor decides to use screws instead of a cage to connect the vertebrae, it is very important that these screws are inserted with high precision in the correct place, because otherwise they may damage the spinal canal or muscles. To solve this problem, we have designed guides that help the doctor determine the exact path of the screws.”

“These guides are generated in two ways; manually and by using artificial intelligence. In the second method, the doctor gives the patient's CT scan to our artificial intelligence algorithm, and the system designs the appropriate guide completely automatically,” Abdollah Faridani noted.

In a relevant development in November, Iranian researchers at another knowledge-based company had also succeeded in production of a diverse portfolio of spinal implants, specially pediatric implants, with quality on par with foreign models.

“We produce a variety of products, including spinal screws, neck and back implants for adults and children,” said Mojtaba Salimi, the managing director of the knowledge-based company.

“Rayan Novin Teb Roza company is the only firm operating in the field of pediatric spinal implants in Iran. The company's researchers are also working on a new hi-tech product which is a hydroxyapatite-coated spinal screw,” he added.

“All products manufactured by this company are in compliance with current international standards and have a production license from ISO 9001,” Salimi said.

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“Given the fact that we are the only manufacturer of pediatric spinal implants in the country, the company's main priority is to meet domestic needs, but we are trying to increase the company's production capacity by creating new infrastructure and expanding activities, and by assessing the needs of regional markets, we will soon start the company's exports plans,” he noted.

A spinal implant is any device your surgeon uses to stabilize or repair your back. These can range from simple screws to artificial discs and they remain in your body after the procedure is complete to help your spine function as it was intended.