3D printing allows for bone replacement during surgery

Doctors from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital have successfully removed a huge tumor from a patient's pelvis and implanted replacement for the bone thanks to 3D printing.

The individualized 3D printing technology provides new solutions for patients with serious orthopedic diseases. 

“Patients can not only survive the disease but also have a better quality of life,” said Dr Hao Yongqiang.

Hao’s team conducted the treatment on a 53-year-old patient, who had a huge tumor on the right side of his pelvis. 

Doctors replicated the bone structure through 3D printing and implanted the part during surgery.