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Three-dimensional printed calcaneal prosthesis following total calcanectomy
Jungo Imanishi1, Peter F M Choong2
1Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Oncology and Surgery, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|April 2, 2015
Summary
This study presents a novel 3D-printed calcaneal prosthesis for limb salvage surgery. This additive manufacturing approach offers a viable alternative to amputation for complex foot sarcoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Limb-salvage surgery is preferred for extremity sarcomas.
- Surgical treatment of foot sarcomas, particularly those involving the calcaneus, presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use of a patient-matched, three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium calcaneal prosthesis for limb salvage.
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of this novel reconstruction technique.
Main Methods:
- A 71-year-old male with a grade 2 chondrosarcoma of the calcaneus underwent total calcanectomy.
- A custom 3D-printed titanium calcaneal prosthesis was implanted to reconstruct the defect.
- Ligaments, including the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, were reattached during surgery.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced an uneventful post-operative recovery.
- At 5-month follow-up, the patient achieved full weight-bearing capacity with a mobile and pain-free ankle.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create a prosthetic calcaneus.
- 3D-printed calcaneal prostheses are a viable limb-sparing alternative to amputation.
- Successful reattachment of tendinous structures aids in prosthesis stabilization.
