Printing a 3D metal talus bone
The first step to creating a new 3D-printed bone is to take CT scans of the talus on your good foot. The image is reversed and used as a blueprint to create a new talus. We then work with a company to produce three trial implants made of plastic that are slightly different sizes.
Once we’ve determined the best fit, a final “bone” is printed ahead of surgery. The metal in the type I currently use is titanium. The dead talus is removed, and the new talus is set in its place.
The results are truly impressive. Replacing the talus with a 3D replica allows for movement of the ankle and subtalar joints, which makes moving the foot up and down and side to side possible.
I encourage my patients to return to an activity level with which they are comfortable. While a marathon may not be in the cards, I’ve seen my patients go back to active lives of working, chasing children, and participating in exercise classes.
What’s next in 3D printed bones?
The ankle is just the tip of the iceberg.
Using 3D printing technology to create bone implants is still an emerging field, but the possibilities to reshape the field of orthopedics are nearly endless.
Such implants open the door to the opportunity to correct genetic malformations or save limbs that have been damaged by trauma or disease. Procedures similar to what we are doing with talus bones are being tried for other parts of the body. For example, patients who lose a jawbone to cancer may soon be able take advantage of this technology.
Along with 3D printing solid bones, researchers are developing a 3D-printed “hyperelastic" bone. This synthetic bone implant resembles a scaffold or lattice and is designed to support the growth and regeneration of a new, real bone.
We look forward to the next breakthroughs in this advancing technology – and giving more patients hope using customized 3D printed bones.
To find out whether you or a loved one might benefit from replacement of the talus with a 3-D printed implant, call us at 214-645-8300 or 817-882-2700 or schedule an appointment online.