Minghao is the First Person to Receive a 3D-Printed Vertebra
Mesel Isaac — September 1, 2014 — Tech
A 12-year-old-boy living in China, is the first person to have a 3D-printed vertebra implanted in their body.
The boy, named Minghao, had injured his spine due to bone cancer. In a five hour surgery, the doctors of Beijing's Peking University Third Hospital had replaced the boy's tumorous second vertebra with a bone substitute made from titanium powder.
Minghao still has a long recovery ahead of him. For the next three months he'll have to wear equipment that'll keep his head and neck still, and we'll have to wait and see how his 3D-printed vertebra holds up under real-world conditions. However his doctors do expect him to get better with time, and for the implanted vertebra to become an enduring and stable part of his spine.
The boy, named Minghao, had injured his spine due to bone cancer. In a five hour surgery, the doctors of Beijing's Peking University Third Hospital had replaced the boy's tumorous second vertebra with a bone substitute made from titanium powder.
Minghao still has a long recovery ahead of him. For the next three months he'll have to wear equipment that'll keep his head and neck still, and we'll have to wait and see how his 3D-printed vertebra holds up under real-world conditions. However his doctors do expect him to get better with time, and for the implanted vertebra to become an enduring and stable part of his spine.
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Vertebrae - Using 3D-printing technology to create custom-made vertebrae offers innovative solutions for spinal surgeries.
2. Medical-grade 3D Printing - The use of medical-grade 3D printing materials and techniques in surgical procedures presents new opportunities for personalized healthcare.
3. Advanced Orthopedic Surgeries - The integration of 3D printing in orthopedic surgeries allows for more precise and effective treatments for bone-related conditions.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore the use of 3D printing technology to revolutionize treatments for spinal injuries and bone-related conditions.
2. Medical Device Manufacturing - Manufacturers of medical devices can capitalize on the demand for 3D-printed vertebrae and other customized implants.
3. Orthopedic Surgery - Orthopedic surgeons can adopt 3D printing technology to enhance surgical outcomes and provide tailored treatments for patients.
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