3D printed rib implanted to replace bone corrupted by tumors

A team of cardiac surgeons from the Tokuda Hospital (Sofia, Bulgaria) has successfully performed surgery adopting an innovative technique, involving 3D printing and implanting a rib to replace one which had become corrupted by tumor formation. Following a tonsillitis diagnosis, a 35 year old patient was recently referred for lung x-rays which led to the discovery of a progressive deformity in the area of the fifth right rib. Tumor formation, accompanied by swelling and pain, had the potential to cause the patient problems with a physical strain and a weakened chest, such as breathing difficulties. Traditional treatment strategies involve removing...