The world's first 3D printed artificial vertebral body implant success
Schematic diagram of the vertebral body and the first 3D printing multiple segments of thoracolumbar implants world. (Picture)
Recently, Peking University Third Hospital, the success of an orthopedic patients with chordoma tumor resection five segments of the spine, and use of the world's first 3D printing multiple segments of thoracolumbar implants to complete up to 19 cm span vertebral reconstruction surgery. This marking the official opening of 3D printing technology artificial vertebrae era.
Patient surgeon, 3D printed artificial vertebral research team leader Professor Liu Zhongjun said conventional titanium mesh filled autologous or allogeneic bone interbody support as the most commonly used equipment, filling of bone fragments and the adjacent bones to grow together , you can achieve bone fusion, complete the reconstruction of a stable structure, but in this way to achieve 19 cm long span support is clearly unrealistic, and titanium mesh, once the shift may also compress the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis patients. further, cylindrical the titanium mesh and spine 'S' shaped curve is not physical match.
'This time, we use metal 3D printing technology, in accordance with the patient's anatomy, to create a section of its length and shape of the spine 5 similar artificial vertebral body. On such a device from the shape of the human body to function are similar to the original anatomy of man-made the spine, the patient can live and work like a normal person. 'Liuzhong Jun said artificial vertebral body special is that can be made from a sponge-like porous structure, similar to the human trabecular bone. with this 'trabecular' adjacent normal vertebral bone cells can grow into them, and ultimately bone fusion.
It is reported that, in 2009, Peking University Third Hospital, the 3D printing technology into the field of orthopedics through interdisciplinary, interdisciplinary cooperation, after years of research and clinical observation, May 6 this year, the world's first human implants of metal 3D printing - birth artificial vertebral body and agreed China food and Drug administration approved the registration. this marks printed in 3D implant field, China has the world leading level, made in China will benefit more patients. China-made products to foreign products will break high-end market monopoly, greatly reduced price, saving large medical expenses for patients, promoting the development of the whole industry chain of 3D printing a milestone. (Economic Daily News reporters Wu Jiajia and Tong Xunyuan Yang Dong Ping)
