Advancements in 3D printing has allowed for progress to be made in the field of biomedical engineering. In the world, there have been hip and knee replacements made with 3D printing; however, this is the first time that an artificial vertebral body has been 3D printed to be used in humans. The main advantages in 3D printing are the preciseness and flexibility in creating extremely complex shapes and features. This allows each implantation to be personalized towards each patient.
Doctors at Peking University Third Hospital (China) recently announced the results of their clinical trials with this new technology. These implants are created with a commonly used material in orthopedic implants, titanium. They are also printed so that they contain a porous structure so that bone cells can regrow and fuse with the implant. All these techniques allow for very few complications in humans. There have already been more than 50 patients that have had the implants, and a year later, all the patients have been recovering well with great results in treating their problems.
One specific success story that has garnered much attention is the addition of a vertebra in a 12 year old boy in China. He originally had a spinal cord injury while playing soccer and then was diagnosed with a vertebral tumor. Doctors were able to place an implant between the first and third vertebra to help the boy regain a full range of motion in his neck after he had the surgery.
More information from 3D Printing News: World’s First 3D Printed Vertebrae…
Press Release from Peking University: Hospital uses 3D printed orthopedic implants…