In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital recently successfully performed a complex knee replacement surgery on a 76-year-old man using **3D printing technology**. This marked the hospital's fifth such operation and was the first time this advanced technique was applied in the province, filling a critical technical gap and demonstrating the practical application of 3D technology in clinical settings.
Uncle Liu, a resident of Xiangfang District in Harbin, had been suffering from chronic left knee pain for over a decade. Despite medication, his condition worsened, leading to limited mobility and difficulty walking. Upon visiting the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, an X-ray revealed severe osteoarthritis and a varus deformity—commonly referred to as "O-legs." Given his age and existing health conditions, including hypertension and heart disease, traditional knee replacement posed significant risks due to potential excessive bleeding and complications.
To minimize these risks, Director Lu Wei led a team of doctors who decided to use **3D printing** to create a customized surgical template for Uncle Liu’s knee. After a full-length CT scan of his left leg, the data was used to generate a 3D model. This allowed the team to precisely determine the angle and amount of bone to be cut before the surgery. A 3D-printed osteotomy guide was then created to assist during the operation.
On May 20th, the procedure took place. Thanks to the pre-surgical planning, the surgery was completed in just one and a half hours without opening the bone marrow cavity. The operation resulted in minimal blood loss, reduced trauma, and significantly lowered the risk of infection and fat embolism. Post-operative X-rays showed excellent alignment of the knee joint. By the third day after surgery, Uncle Liu was able to walk without crutches. Two weeks later, he was discharged from the hospital, accompanied by his family.
According to Director Lu Wei, since the introduction of 3D printing technology in February, five similar surgeries have been successfully completed. The process involves scanning the patient’s lower limb, inputting the data into a computer, and using a high-precision **3D printer** to create a 1:1 resin model of the knee. This model is then used to design an osteotomy guide and measure the correct size of the prosthesis, ensuring a personalized and precise surgical outcome.
Although the 3D-printed templates are made of resin and polymer materials, they are not used directly in the surgery. Instead, they serve as navigation tools for surgeons, helping them plan the operation in advance and avoid complex anatomical structures like nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. This enhances accuracy, reduces operation time, and improves overall safety.
The future of 3D printing in medicine looks incredibly promising, with its ability to revolutionize surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes. As the technology continues to evolve, it is expected to play an even greater role in making surgeries more efficient, accurate, and tailored to individual patients.
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