One of the blue-sky concepts that has been a popular talking point in medical 3D printing circles is the notion of installing 3D printers at hospital bedsides. That vision is edging a little closer to reality, thanks to a partnership between LimaCorporate (San Daniele del Friuli, Italy) and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS; New York, NY). The Italian company specializing in reconstructive and custom orthopedic technology has announced that it will operate a 3D-printing facility on the New York campus of HSS for the production of custom complex implants. It is reportedly the first operation of its kind in a hospital setting.

HSS has been ranked as the number one orthopedic hospital in the United States for the past nine years by U.S. News & World Report. HSS has been sourcing custom implants from Lima since 2016; bringing that technology in house will substantially increase the availability and speed of personalized orthopedic care for patients with complex conditions, said the press release.