3DExpress: World’s First 3D Printed Femur Transplant for Child With Bone Cancer

This week’s 3DExpress is full of exciting developments. First, we cover the world’s first femur transplant that succeeded with the help of a 3D printed femur. Then, we take a look at new collaborations: Women in 3D Printing is joining the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Comau and Roboze announced a new partnership. We will also dive into Sculpteo’s launch of a new polyamide material, and finally, we’ll explore CEAD’s new Maritime Application Center, a state-of-the-art production facility for 3D printing boats. As always, happy reading!

World’s First Femur Transplant for Child with Bone Cancer

The Vinmec Healthcare System in Vietnam has achieved what many thought was impossible. After the sudden diagnosis of Tran Minh Duc, a boy from Ho Chi Minh, numerous doctors advised his family to amputate his leg for safety, as artificial joints cannot be used in children. Bone cancer usually occurs in older people, which made the medical operations particularly dangerous for Duc. Traditional methods carry a high risk of infection in children. Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung of the Orthopaedic Council at Vinmec Healthcare System, the leading private hospital group in Vietnam, suggested an entirely new treatment: To replace the entire femur with a 3D-printed replacement. Duc was operated on in two phases. In phase 1, the tumor was removed and a cement bone was temporarily transplanted. Finally, in phase 2, the entire femur was replaced with a “customized” bone made of 3D-printed metal. Prof. Dr. Dung exclaimed, “The 4-hour surgery was a success. Duc recovered quickly without any complications, now he is able to walk with the support of physical therapy. The surgery represented a breakthrough in complex techniques. […] Both the life and limb of the child were kept intact.”

Photo Credits: Vinmec

Women in 3D Printing Joins Forces with ASME

Nora Toure founded Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP) in 2014 to support women in the AM industry. Since then, the organization has grown to over 13,000 members across 38 countries, becoming a force for diversity and inclusion in AM. Now, Wi3DP is entering a new chapter as it joins the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), where it will operate under ASME’s Programs & Philanthropy department. This transition opens the door to opportunities, enabling integration with ASME’s global network and initiatives. “This new chapter with ASME is a game-changer for Women in 3D Printing,” Toure said. “As a volunteer-led organization, we’ve done so much with so little, but with ASME’s support, we can finally tap into the resources we need to grow. ASME’s commitment to inclusive engineering, workforce development and innovation in additive manufacturing aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we can expand our reach, scale our impact, and bring Wi3DP to even more communities around the world.” To learn more about the Wi3DP joining ASME, click HERE.