South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has performed a surgery using its first patient-specific, 3D printed wrist implant taking orthopedic surgery way ahead. This meant modeling a custom implant that was to correct a post-traumatic wrist deformity, tailored exactly to the anatomy of the patient.
Painstaking planning and development of the implant were done by the orthopedic team at the trust using 3D printing. To create the implant, the team performed a clinical assessment and detailed wrist imaging of the wrist using techniques such as X-rays and CT scans.
These images are then digitized into a 3D model with special software. Once the model was perfected, it was 3D printed with strict quality control measures to assure its accuracy.
Fiaz Hashmi, consultant in orthopedic surgery from South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has revealed that “By adopting 3D printing technology, we have shown once again how far we are willing to go in our quest to utilize innovative methods in the care of our patients. This modern creation has significantly enhanced surgical precision & patient outcomes by restoring the hospital’s reputation as a renowned innovation leader in medical care.”
This provides several benefits to the patient including increased function, faster recovery time, less pain, and better outcomes overall. This level of personalization in surgery is only symptomatic of how 3D printing can change the face of patient care and create new standards in medical technology.
Author: Nagarjun M
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