Mumbai Hospital Performs Rare Custom 3D-Printed Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a 72-year-old woman with a long-standing history of rheumatoid arthritis has successfully received a custom-made, 3D-printed shoulder replacement at L H Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai. The highly complex procedure, led by Dr. Aditya Sai Kadavkolan, Senior Consultant in Orthopaedics, represents a significant advancement in personalized orthopedic care.
The Rarity of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries
While knee replacements are commonly performed, shoulder replacements remain relatively rare. Dr. Kadavkolan explains that for every 100 knee replacement surgeries conducted, only approximately one shoulder replacement is undertaken. The shoulder joint's intricate anatomy necessitates specialized expertise, with such procedures typically handled by surgeons focusing exclusively on shoulder conditions.
Patient's Medical History and Challenges
The patient had been living with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, for nearly three decades. Over time, the disease progressively damaged multiple joints throughout her body. Approximately ten years ago, she underwent knee replacement surgery to address one affected area.
However, in recent years, both her shoulders began deteriorating severely, causing constant pain and significantly impairing her ability to perform basic movements. Her right shoulder was successfully replaced last year and healed well, but the left shoulder presented a far more complicated scenario.
Severe Bone Loss and Innovative Solution
Medical imaging revealed that between 50 to 60 percent of the bone in her left shoulder had been destroyed by the arthritis. This posed a critical challenge because conventional shoulder implants require sufficient healthy bone structure for secure placement and stability. In this case, the extensive bone loss made standard implants unsuitable.
The medical team adopted an innovative approach to overcome this obstacle. They began with a high-resolution CT scan to meticulously analyze the remaining bone structure. Using this detailed data, biomedical engineers created a precise 3D digital model of the patient's shoulder anatomy.
Custom Implant Design and Fabrication
Based on the digital model, engineers designed a shoulder implant specifically tailored to the patient's unique anatomical requirements. The process involved creating an initial plastic prototype to test the fit and functionality before proceeding to the final production phase.
The definitive implant was then 3D-printed using titanium, a material known for its durability and biocompatibility. Dr. Kadavkolan emphasized that this approach essentially reversed the traditional methodology: instead of modifying the patient's bone to accommodate a standard implant, they engineered the implant to perfectly match her existing bone structure.
Surgical Advantages and Recovery Process
This tailor-made solution offered several significant benefits:
- Bone Preservation: The custom implant design helped conserve as much of the patient's remaining bone as possible, which is crucial for long-term stability and successful recovery.
- Enhanced Fit: The precise anatomical matching potentially reduces complications and improves functional outcomes.
- Personalized Approach: The procedure exemplifies the growing trend toward patient-specific medical interventions.
Following the surgery, the patient will undergo an extensive physiotherapy regimen. Full mobility restoration typically requires three to four months of dedicated rehabilitation efforts.
Broader Implications for Indian Healthcare
While such highly customized orthopedic procedures remain uncommon in India, this case demonstrates remarkable progress in personalized medicine. It illustrates how advanced technologies like 3D printing can address even the most complex joint damage scenarios, offering hope to patients who might otherwise face permanent mobility limitations or chronic pain.
The successful implementation of this innovative surgical technique at a Mumbai hospital highlights India's growing capabilities in cutting-edge medical interventions and sets a precedent for future complex orthopedic cases requiring customized solutions.
