Due to sickle cell disease, blood flow to the patient’s ankle became compromised, leading to the death of her talus bone in a condition called avascular necrosis.
After non-surgical approaches failed, the physicians took CT scans of the patient’s ankle and collaborated with a 3D-printing company to design a custom metallic bone based on the size of the patient’s talus.
The UM surgeons tried three different sizes during surgery to find the best fit.
The patient was fitted with a 3D-printed cobalt chrome implant, which is often used in hip replacements and presents a more durable solution for the load-bearing ankle.
More articles on surface technology:
‘A dream come true’: Dr. Jorge Chahla strives for success at Rush
New York hospital invests $2M in imaging system for spine, brain — 4 things to know
What Stryker’s spine division stands to gain from 5 acquisitions
