• For the first time in India doctors at Medanta - the Medicity constructs a 3D Spinal Implant for replacing a patient's cervical spine.
  • The patient, a 32-year-old woman, was suffering from spinal tuberculosis. 
  • Her first, second and third cervical vertebrae was totally worn out, devoid of any skeletal support.
  • In the 10 hour long surgery, Dr. V Anand Naik along with his team was successful in connecting the first and fourth cervical vertebrae with the 3D printed titanium vertebra. 
  • According to Dr. Gopal Kumar, consultant and head and neck surgeon at the hospital, it was important to restore the laryngeal nerve.
  • The doctors also had to dodge the risks she would have faced in swallowing, chewing and in movement of tongue. 
  • Dr. Naik said that the titanium cage was modified according to the patient's original spine after which the 3D titanium implant was printed.
  • It was tested by biomechanics and stress risers before the surgery.
  • The woman is now recovering fast and she will be able to lead a normal life soon. 

 

Source: Hindustan Times