Malaysian oncologists have recently achieved a milestone by successfully conducting the country’s inaugural heel bone replacement using a 3D printed mold. The procedure addressed the recurrence of a treated Giant Cell Tumor, necessitating complete calcaneum resection.
The patient’s recovery, devoid of complications, highlights the efficacy of this method. With its cost-effectiveness, the 3D printing approach emerges as a promising solution for bone reconstruction amidst financial constraints in government healthcare facilities. The medical team underscores the method’s versatility, highlighting its potential to benefit numerous patients requiring bone reconstruction.
Spearheaded by doctors from the Orthopaedic Oncology Department, the surgery, led by Dr. Aaron Gerarde Paul, Dr. Eyrique Goh Boay Heong, and Dr. Tee Kok Keat, marked a significant leap in medical innovation. Preparation involved meticulous planning, leveraging advanced technology to convert CT images into precise 3D models.
The molds used polylactic acid (PLA) for printing to ensure both biocompatibility and ease of sterilization. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement was poured into the mold, and facilitated seamless attachment, enabling postoperative weight-bearing.
This innovative approach not only promises functional recovery but also emphasizes patient comfort through reduced recovery times and enhanced anatomical fit. As Malaysian healthcare pioneers this new technique, it sets a precedent for future advancements in orthopedic oncology, offering hope to patients worldwide.
Source: thestar.com.my