Physicians from Peking University first implanted person printed on the 3D-printer vertebra

A team of doctors from Beijing University recently announced the successful use of the implant vertebral portion of the human spine, printed on a 3D printer.

This operation was carried out for 12-year-old patient with a malignant tumor of the spinal cord. Doctors had to spend many hours of operation, with the replacement portion of the spine artificial implants. In this case the implant itself is very different from those of prostheses, which were created to date.

The first vertebra is created by sintering of titanium powder. Secondly, the shape of the artificial vertebra repeats the shape of the natural vertebra. You do not need to use an orthopedic cement or screws, as occurs in the case of traditional implants.

All because the implant is not monolithic and porous. Scientists have calculated that through these pores will grow bone tissue, it does not require the replacement of the prosthesis with age, as far as can be understood - bone cover vertebra, which will become a natural part of the spine of the boy.

Among other things, conventional dentures can be damaged as a result of external influences (although the likelihood of this is small). And with 3D-implant can not happen, because it becomes a natural extension of the spine.



However, the rehabilitation of patients with this type of implant is longer than in the case with a conventional prosthesis. Now the boy's head and neck fixed to avoid movement of the spine. And in this state, the boy will have to spend 3 months, after which comes already active rehabilitation period. In any case, it is better than a lifetime to be invalid, you will agree.

Via forbes

Source: habrahabr.ru/post/234429/