In Israel, a medical team faced a challenge when standard surgery to replace an ankle joint was not possible due to the lower bone being completely destroyed. The team had to think creatively about alternative solutions for patient Yuri. A potential solution that had not been attempted before was 3D printing the entire joint, which was customized for Yuri in a laboratory in Italy.
The lab created a lower bone made from titanium based on data obtained from a CT scan of Yuri’s living leg. Special equipment was also printed to fit his bone structure, allowing for precise cutting of the tibia and insertion of the implant to replace the upper part of the ankle joint.
Yuri’s surgery was considered innovative in the world of medicine, with few comparable cases having been performed. Researchers note that advancements in technology have made complex surgeries like this more achievable, leading to increased success rates and improved patient recovery times.
After successfully completing his surgery, Yuri will now wait for his cast to be removed in about four weeks before beginning rehabilitation and physical therapy. The medical team is optimistic that Yuri’s ankle functionality will be fully restored, allowing him to walk without assistance. Yuri is also hopeful about his recovery, expressing excitement for relief from the pain he has been experiencing.
