3D-printed vertebra used in spine surgery

By Jason Lee

3d spine model 620

Surgeons in Beijing, China, have successfully implanted an artificial, 3D-printed vertebra replacement in a young boy with bone cancer. They say it is the first time such a procedure has ever been done.

During a five-hour operation, the doctors first removed the tumor located in the second vertebra of 12-year-old Minghao's neck and replaced it with the 3D-printed implant between the first and third vertebrae, CCTV.com reported earlier this month.

"This is the first use of a 3D-printed vertebra as an implant for orthopedic spine surgery in the world," said Dr. Liu Zhongjun, the director of orthopedics at No. 3 Hospital, Peking University, who performed the surgery.

The boy was playing football when he headed the ball and injured his neck, and it was later confirmed that he had a tumor, Minghao's mother said.

Prior to the surgery, the patient had been lying in the orthopedics ward for more than two months, and he could occasionally stand up, but only for a few minutes.

Normally, a diseased axis would be replaced by a standardized, hollow titanium tube, Liu told Reuters.

"Using existing technology, the patient's head needs to be framed with pins after surgery," as his head cannot touch the bed when he is resting for at least three months, he explained. "But with 3D printing technology, we can simulate the shape of the vertebra, which is much stronger and more convenient than traditional methods."

Five days after the surgery, Minghao still could not speak and had to use a writing board to communicate. However, doctors said at the time that he was in a good physical condition and they expected him to make a strong recovery.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com

Recent Posts

Exploring the Benefits and Paths to Nursing Higher Education
As the healthcare sector continues to progress, the need for highly skilled Nursing professionals is more evident than ever. Pursuing further education in Nursing not only improves patient care but...
Read More
The Nursing Zodiac: What Your Sign Says About Your Shift Style
Ever wondered if the stars have something to do with how you handle a chaotic shift? Do you thrive in the madness of the ER, or are you the cool, calm, and collected Nurse that everyone turns to?...
Read More
Virtual Job Opportunities for Nurses: Careers Beyond the Bedside
The Nursing profession is evolving rapidly, and with the rise of technology and telehealth, Nurses now have more opportunities than ever to work remotely. Virtual Nursing jobs offer flexibility,...
Read More

Subscribe to Email Our Newsletter

Education_Award_Square