Vietnam’s First 3D Printed Pelvis and Femur Implants Set New Standard in Bone Cancer Treatment

Surgeons at the Vinmec General Hospital in Vietnam achieved a medical milestone when they turned to advanced 3D printing. How so? By making 3D printed artificial bones that were able to replace the pelvis and part of the femur of a patient during surgery. While the practice of 3D printing bones is not new, this groundbreaking procedure marks a global first. It was explicitly designed to address the challenges posed by an exceptionally rare form of cancer known as metastatic bone cancer, a condition notorious for its typically low survival rate.

This breakthrough represents a significant leap in the medical field, showcasing the capabilities of 3D printing in addressing life-threatening conditions. The rarity and complexity of metastatic bone cancer prompted the medical and engineering teams at Vinmec General Hospital to collaborate closely in developing an innovative solution, as they were tasked with treating 63-year-old patient Le Dinh Thuan.

Professor Dr. Tran Trung Dung, the Director of Vinmec Orthopedics Center, explains the treatment process using 3D printed implant models.

Patient-Specific Innovation: Crafting Thuan’s Implant

In the case of Mr. Thuan, cancer had infiltrated his hip joint, spreading to his joint capsules, pelvis, and femur. Traditionally, treatments for such cases often involved drastic measures, including removing the affected side of the pelvis, resulting in severe disability with little to no increase in survival rate post-surgery. Thuan’s refusal of this conventional procedure underscored the need for an alternative, less invasive solution, which directed the team to 3D printing.