In Israel, a Woman's Arm Was Saved with a 3D-Printed Bone Prosthesis

In Israel, a complex reconstructive surgery was performed, during which an elderly woman's shoulder integrity was restored using a custom titanium implant created through 3D printing technology. The intervention was necessary after the removal of a malignant tumor from the scapula.

Several months ago, a pathological neoplasm was detected in the shoulder blade of a 72-year-old patient, which connects the humerus to the clavicle. A biopsy confirmed the malignant nature of the tumor, and the doctors decided to remove it as soon as possible to prevent the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. However, a problem arose: after a detailed analysis of MRI images of the affected bone, it became clear that resection of the neoplasm to the required extent would lead to significant damage to the shoulder joint, resulting in the woman being unable to use her arm – the limb would become non-functional.

Israeli doctors, known for never backing down from complex situations, found a solution this time as well. They decided to print the necessary bone implant for subsequent reconstruction on a 3D printer – this involved creating a custom model of the prosthesis that would fully match the anatomical features of the patient.

"We opted for this option because it allowed us to remove the cancerous formation while preserving the integrity of the shoulder joint, and thus the functionality of the arm," explained Professor Yakov Bikels, head of the orthopedic oncology department, who planned and performed this complex intervention. "3D printing technology has become a real breakthrough in the field of oncological surgery."

The 3D-printed custom titanium implant significantly facilitated the surgery and helped avoid possible complications. The intervention was successful, and the woman is currently undergoing rehabilitation according to a specially tailored program – within a few months, as the doctors promise, the functionality of the operated arm will be fully restored.

What the Method Entails

First, using a special computer program that uploads images taken during CT and MRI scans, accurate three-dimensional models of the tumor and the affected organ are created. These allow specialists to precisely plan the upcoming intervention: to establish the boundaries of excising the cancer mass and to determine the most suitable shape of the prosthesis for the subsequent reconstruction of the removed tissues.

The software then creates a file that is sent to the 3D printer, which begins layer-by-layer printing of the custom implant. The process can take from eight to twelve hours, depending on the size of the prosthesis and the chosen material.

This approach allows for the most precise resection of the neoplasm since the surgeon's actions are not limited by the parameters and structure of a standard factory implant. They confidently remove the necessary volume of tumor tissue, knowing that there is a possibility of subsequent restoration of the integrity of the damaged organ using a custom-made prosthesis that fully matches the anatomical characteristics of the specific patient.

"Today, the use of 3D printing technology is the only way to create implants with complex shapes and textures that are exact replicas of the required body part," says Professor Bikels. "Currently, several companies in Israel are providing 3D printing services.".