3D printer used for hip surgery

A 3D printed implant and bone stem cell draft have been used for the first time during hip surgery, in what doctors describe as a “game changer”.

The 3D printed hip, made from titanium, was designed at Southampton General Hospital, England, using the patient’s CT scan and CAD CAM technology, so it was designed to the patient’s exact specifications and measurements.

The implant provides a new socket for the ball of the femur bone to enter and behind the implant and between the pelvis, doctors have inserted a graft containing bone stem cells.

The graft acts as a filler for the loss of bone and the patient’s own bone marrow cells have been added to provide a source of bone stem cells to encourage bone regeneration behind and around the implant.

Douglas Dunlop, consultant orthopaedic surgeon who conducted the pioneering operation, said: “The benefits to the patient through this pioneering procedure are numerous. The titanium used to make the hip is more durable and has been printed to match the patient’s exact measurements – this should improve fit and could reduce the risk of having to have another surgery.

“The bone graft material that has been used has excellent biocompatibility and strength and will fill the defect behind the bone well, fusing it all together.”

Mr Dunlop and Professor Richard Oreffo, of the University of Southampton, have developed a translational research programme to drive bone formation using patient skeletal stem cells in orthopaedics.

The graft used in this operation is made up of a bone scaffold that allows blood to flow through it. Stem cells from the bone marrow will attach to the material and grow new bone. This will support the 3D printed hip implant.

Professor Oreffo added: “The 3D printing of the implant in titanium, from CT scans of the patient and stem cell graft, is cutting edge.

“Growing bone at the point of injury alongside a hip implant that has been designed to the exact fit of the patient is exciting and offers real opportunities for improved recovery and quality of life.”