Case Study: Rita Leibinger Medical achieves rapid restoration of mobility for 10,000+ dogs with 3D Systems' Direct Metal Printing (TTA RAPID)

3D Systems and Rita Leibinger Medical Get Disabled Dogs Back on their Feet Fast

Since 2012 3D Systems and Rita Leibinger Medical have collaborated to solve a common veterinary problem: cruciate ligament failure that destabilizes the stifle (knee) joint and leaves dogs of all sizes struggling to walk. Traditional surgeries require long recoveries and carry infection and anesthesia risks, so the partners set out to develop a smaller, more effective implant that restores joint stability quickly and reliably.

Their solution, the TTA RAPID—a 3D Systems Direct Metal Printed titanium implant designed by Rita Leibinger—uses a complex open structure that promotes rapid bone ingrowth and fits multiple sizes (including petite variants for small dogs and cats). Nearly 10,000 implants have been placed, resulting in shorter surgeries, fewer infections, and dogs often walking and running again within about six weeks, with high surgical success rates and broader application potential.

Rita Leibinger Medical

Gordon Buschle

Marketing Manager