An Australian neurosurgeon completed a world-first surgery, removing two cancer-riddled vertebrae at the top of his neck and replacing them with a 3D-printed (titanium) body part.
Of course 3D printing is cool and funky. But that’s actually just a bonus that helps it get more attention and makes it easier to talk about.
One other great thing is that with 3D printing now, one-offs – aka printing just one copy of a particular design – has become affordable. Previously, only a few research and commercial facilities here and there had a 3D printer, and using it was both restricted and expensive.
“Minghao had been lying in the orthopaedics ward of the hospital for more than two months. He could barely stand up for more than a few minutes at a time due to the damage caused by a tumour growing in his neck. In the past, patients with this condition would have received a piece of standardised, hollow titanium tube as an implant, but the new technique involving 3D-printing technology offers them a much greater customisation and a speedier, more comfortable recovery.”
Science and smart (cheaper but good quality!) innovation can do a lot of good. We can imagine how this operation will make a world of difference to that 12 year-old. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery with his new 3D printed vertebra!
My 9 year old son fell in love with all the aspects of this program - the simple but still…
Cara, Parent