Surgeons from Morriston Hospital use 3D printing to create a customized titanium implant for a woman with a jaw tumor.

As 3D printing continues to expand its reach throughout the medical field, 3D printed implants have become recognized for the ability to provide patients with a customized fit. From bone implants to external prosthetics, injuries and diseases can now be treated in a more precise manner.

After developing a large tumor on her lower jawbone, Debbie Hawkins became the first patient to receive a special procedure involving a titanium 3D printed implant. In the city of Swansea, Wales, the surgical team from the Morriston Hospital developed a technique using 3D printing to reconstruct Hawkins’ jaw. The surgeons used traditional bone grafts and a 3D printed implant to create a patient-specific replacement jaw.

“When they told me what the procedure involved I was scared at first. I really didn’t know what to expect. But what they have done, and the aftercare I have received, has been absolutely amazing,” she explains.

Hawkins remained in hospital for two weeks after the operation, and it wasn’t long before she was able to get back to work. Although the implant causes the occasional trouble with her speaking or jaw movement, Hawkins has expressed that she feels a lot better and stronger than before.

3D Printing Improves Upon Awkward Traditional Methods

Traditional methods for replacing sections of the jaw usually require taking part of the fibula from a patient’s leg, which sometimes results in an awkward or uncomfortable fit. With the 3D printed titanium implant, the surgeons were able to achieve impeccable accuracy and optimized fit.

To design the 3D printed prosthetic, Morriston Hospital’s surgeons used CT scans of the jaw. This ensured that the fibula bone remained in the proper position. Although Hawkins was the first patient, five procedures have now been completed and a sixth will be happening soon. However, in addition to 3D printed titanium implants, the surgeons are also using 3D technology to help them plan out procedures too.

“It has taken away the uncertainty. We know exactly what is going to happen before we go into theatre as everything is computer planned. This can save a lot of time – up to two hours. On average this operation takes eight to 10 hours, so when we take two hours out of that it is quite a sizable reduction,”  said consultant surgeon Madhav Kittur.

Source: BBC