Revolutionary Surgery: 14-Year-Old Received Shoulder Prosthesis from 3D Printer

The young patient named Gwladys is a passionate athlete and participates in skiing, swimming, and ski jumping, among other sports. During a dance exercise, she suddenly noticed that she could no longer lift her arm. The diagnosis: a malignant bone tumor. After chemotherapy, the shoulder, including the shoulder blade and joint, was removed in a multi-hour operation and replaced with a custom-made 3D implant.

Custom Implant Enables Precision Reconstruction

The production of such patient-specific implants is a highly complex process that requires close collaboration between engineers, biomechanics experts, and medical professionals. Dietmar Dammerer, head of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Krems, explained that the implant reconstructed the patient's bone in the finest detail and was perfectly tailored to her shoulder.

Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP), regional councilor for the Lower Austrian state and university hospitals, emphasized that modern technology made precise customization possible. Borders between the federal states played no role in this.

Hope for a Quick Return to Sports

In a few weeks, Gwladys should be able to use her arm again for everyday movements such as eating, personal care, or combing her hair. Depending on the healing process, she might even be able to dance again, according to the Lower Austrian State Health Agency (LGA).

(APA/Red)

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