Surgeons use 3-D printing to help boy stand
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E-mail China Daily, August 27, 2015
A 6-year-old boy suffering from brittle bone disease was able to stand on his own feet after a successful operation enabled by 3-D printing technology at a hospital in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
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A 3-D-model of his lower limbs based on a CT scan, and the same model printed in 3-D (above right), enabled doctors to precisely examine his illness. CHEN WEN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE/CHINA DAILY |
It was claimed to be the first orthopedic surgery in the country involving the innovative technology.
"By printing out a 3-D skeleton model of the boy's lower limbs, we were able to make a precise plan for the operation and perform the operation successfully," said To Kai-tsun, a consultant surgeon of orthopedics and traumatology at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, who took part in the surgery.
The boy had multiple fractures in his legs and was not able to stand because of the disease, he said. The boy could only sit on a chair.
Brittle bone disease can cause severe bone deformities, poor muscle tone and bad joints, and can be fatal.
"Due to severe malformation, even making a standard X-ray film became impossible, which made it very difficult to work out an operational plan for him," he said.
"The printed 3-D model of the skeleton, however, enabled us to examine his illness precisely: For example, how serious the skeletal deformation was, and where to cut the bones. Otherwise, we would spend more time in surgery and the patient would suffer more pain," he said.
After cutting the bones, surgeons used rods to reconnect the bones in the proper shape.
The 3-D skeleton model was produced by Shenzhen Sunshine Laser and Electronics Technology, a company specializing in 3-D printing.
Bai Song, general manager of the 3-D printing department at the company, said the model was made of photosensitive resin and cost around 2,000 yuan ($310).
"Right now, 3-D printing technology is new and unfamiliar to many hospitals and doctors in the country. Application of the technology has been small," Bai said.
Bai said he believes the technology will have a wide application in medical treatment, but admitted that there are difficulties to be overcome.
"First, most doctors have little knowledge about the emerging technology. There has been little demand from hospitals. Second, the cost of 3-D printing is also an issue that needs to be taken into consideration," Bai said, adding that his company's German 3-D printing equipment cost 4 million yuan.
The boy, from Guiyang, Guizhou province, who underwent the operation on June 24, is now recovering and will still receive periodical medical examinations.
"My son had fractures every two or three days. He had to walk very carefully to avoid the situation," said the boy's father, surnamed Lu. "I am so happy and grateful that he can now stand up."
Brittle bone disease is a rare congenital disease that makes it extremely easy for patients to have fractures. One in 10,000 to 15,000 people suffers from the illness.
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