Xiao Jianru, MD, and his team at the Second Military Medical University of Changzheng Hospital in China performed innovative spinal implant surgery using 3D printed titanium prosthetics, according to IFLScience.
Here are five things to know:
1. The patient was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, affecting six cervical vertebrae. Physicians recommend against chemotherapy and radiology due to the cancer's severity.
2. Dr. Jianru spent three weeks building the artificial bones using titanium alloy and customized 3D printed technology. He also constructed a life-size model of the patient using a 3D printer to develop customized implants.
3. During the 13 hour procedure, Dr. Jianru and his team removed and replaced the six cancerous vertebrae.
4. This is not the first time Dr. Jianru has used 3D printing technology for surgical procedures. In 2016, he used 3D printed implants to replace a patient's cervical and thoracic vertebrae.
5. The patient is now able to stand and walk and through rehabilitation Dr. Jianru hopes the patient will regain movement in her neck.