The first -ever 3D printed vertebrae was recently used to replace a cancer-stricken part of the spine, conducted by an Australian neurosurgeon late last year.
Dr. Ralph Mobbs conducted the breakthrough surgical procedure on a patient diagnosed with chordoma – a rare type of cancer that can develop anywhere along the entire length of the spine or the vertebral column.
The 15-hour complicated surgical procedure allowed Dr. Mobbs to insert the 3D printed vertebrae at the top of the neck where the tumour was located.
He elaborated that it was exactly situated at the point where the neck and head meet, with the procedure requiring that the head be detached from the neck, removing the tumour, and reconnecting the head back to the neck.
The 3D printed vertebrae fitted like a glove, according to Dr. Mobbs, who used state-of-the-art computer software to replicate the design of the affected vertebrae and to plan out the precise details of the surgical procedure.
Dr. Mobbs said that he took careful and precise measurements to make sure he had everything nailed down to the very fine details and avoid mistakes that might occur during the course of the operation.
The operation went well and the doctor was excited to deliver the news that the implant fit perfectly to reconstruct the void where the tumour was located.
The patient is currently under close monitoring by Dr. Mobbs and his team to ensure that no complications would arise from the surgery. However, days after the procedure they reported that an unexpected problem occurred after the patient was having difficulty speaking and eating.
But the doctor pointed out that the patient shall recover from this within the next six months, as a result of the procedure where the team had to go through the mouth and had to stretch it open during the entire surgical process.
This is a breakthrough in advanced medical technology where in the near future, people may be able to fear less of losing a body part or a vital organ to disease or damage.
Like the 3D printed vertebrae, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and giving hope to millions of people all over the world.
Image Credit: Australian surgeon inserts 3D-printed vertebrae in world-first – ABC ( Australian Broadcasting Corporation )
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