Jaber Hospital Successfully Repairs and Replaces Worn Artificial Hip Joint Using 3D Printing

AbdulKarim Al-Abdullah In a new medical achievement reflecting the continuous advancement in orthopedic and joint surgeries and the utilization of modern technologies in surgical planning, a medical team at Jabir Hospital, led by Dr. Hashem Al-Ali, Head of the Orthopedic Surgery Department, successfully performed a distinctive and complex procedure to reconstruct and replace a hip joint (artificial) for a 48-year-old patient, using 3D printing technology for precise and preoperative planning.

This was the first procedure of its kind at Jabir Hospital to employ the Cup-Cage Construct technique. The patient had suffered from a previous hip joint failure and complications arising from metallosis (metal deposition), along with significant bone loss in the pelvis, necessitating advanced surgical planning tailored to the nature and complexity of the condition.

The medical team utilized computed tomography (CT) scans and 3D printing technology to produce a model identical to the patient’s pelvis prior to the surgery. This allowed for an accurate assessment of areas of bone loss and osseous defects, and facilitated the determination of the most appropriate surgical approach before the actual intervention.

Based on this preoperative planning, the team performed an advanced reconstructive procedure that included bone grafting and the use of the Cup-Cage Construct technique, which aims to achieve the necessary stability for the joint and support long-term osseous integration.

The procedure was successful; the patient was able to stand and move, and began walking on the second day after surgery, indicating a positive sign of early recovery following the surgical intervention.

This achievement underscores the importance of leveraging modern technologies, particularly 3D printing, in preoperative planning for complex surgeries. This approach provides medical teams with a more accurate understanding of anatomical challenges, contributing to enhanced precision in surgical interventions and improved therapeutic outcomes.