Chinese spine surgeons implant longest 3-D printed vertebrae — 5 levels: 5 things to know

Spine

Surgeons in China replaced five vertebrae with three-dimensional printed vertebrae, according to a Deccan Chronical report.

Here are five key notes:

 

1. The printed vertebrae were 19 centimeters, the longest-ever 3-D printed vertebrae used in a successful operation. Surgeons implanted the 3-D printed vertebrae into a patient's spine who previously underwent surgery to remove a tumor and posterior sections of five vertebrae.

 

2. The replica vertebrae was made from titanium powder and inserted into the spine to fill the void left from the previous tumor removal surgery.

 

3. Surgeons performed the six-hour procedure at Peking University Third Hospital in June. The patient can currently walk on his own post-operation; his physicians said he'd likely have been paralyzed without the operation.

 

4. The 3-D technology allows surgeons to create a replica of the patient’s original vertebrae in size, shape and firmness. The implant as pores for neighboring bone cells to enhance fusion.

 

5. The technology is still experimental and only two 3-D printed body implants are registered with the China FDA.

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