Kirov doctors are printing bones for complex surgeries.

      The 3D modeling technology is used for complex defects of the skull bones, fractures, and deformations of the spine, as well as pathologies of the hip joints. As explained by neurosurgeon Alexander Popov from the Center, printing is utilized when the damage is located in hard-to-reach places — for example, in the area of the skull base, eye socket, or occiput. Models are also necessary for chronic and atypical spinal injuries, where conventional flat modeling is insufficient.

      The process looks like this: CT data is uploaded into a special program, unnecessary anatomical fragments are removed, the required area is highlighted, and sent for printing. The accuracy of the model is up to 50 microns, which allows for the preparation of an implant taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. This reduces the trauma of the operation and allows for the most precise placement of the structure.

      At the Center, the technology is available to all patients who need it based on clinical indications. One example is a woman who was injured in a car accident when colliding with a moose, resulting in complex defects of the skull and eye socket bones. Specialists performed a 3D reconstruction and successfully installed implants.

      This year, the technology was used in surgery on the cervical spine of a patient who was injured in a car accident with complex damage. Surgeons restored the damaged segment and stabilized it using an implant prepared based on the 3D model.