Talus bone implant made of titanium used in joint replacement surgery

A 3D printed Talus bone implant made of titanium was used in a joint replacement surgery by Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad. 

Usually, such cases are managed by ankle joint fusion, which restricts mobility severely. Given the patient’s young age, 38, and active lifestyle, the Orthopaedics & Joint Replacements Department team opted to design and implant a custom-made 3D printed titanium Talus bone, as per a press release. 

A businessman from Karimnagar suffered a fracture in ankle. Though a surgery was performed, the bone eventually collapsed. The condition, avascular necrosis, led to pain and came in the way of daily activities and work. 

“Using advanced imaging and precise 3D manufacturing technology, a new Talus was created based on CT scans of the patient’s healthy ankle to create a precise replica. This data was used to 3D-print a custom Talus bone made of titanium, a biocompatible and durable metal,” as per the press release.

Dr. Sunil Dachepalli, who led the team, said that the patient was discharged. Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, director of the hospital, said, the surgery represents a significant advancement in orthopaedics and joint replacement innovation and patient care, which offers new hope for patients facing complex ankle injuries.