3D Printing in Orthopedics: How Is It Used For Foot and Ankle Surgery?

October 19, 2020

3D printing technology is amazing and it’s changing the way we live, work and get medical care. The same is true when it comes to orthopedic surgery. 3D printed bone replacement is an effective, affordable and safe option if you need foot or ankle surgery. 

Here’s how it works,

Basically 3D printing technology is used in surgery to make reliable and high-quality bone replacements for your ankles and feet. 

Custom Implants and Bone Replacement Technology

Using rapid prototype manufacturing (RPM), surgeons are able to effectively create bone replacements. Computer tomography (CT) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to make 3D versions of your bones which can then surgically replace your ankle or foot bones as necessary.

Custom implants made with 3D technology are the leading edge of today’s technology and can be used to successfully resolve otherwise irresolvable foot and ankle problems and pain in the lower extremities.

By doing a tomography scan of your functional ankle or foot, the medical team will reverse it and then work with a medical engineering firm to create a titanium implant, doctors can manufacture an implant for your foot or ankle that will successfully integrate into your body with very few risks and with a long-term life cycle. If you are facing a situation where you would have had to amputate only years ago, you now have hope thanks to 3D printed bone replacement technology.

Patients report a very high satisfaction with their ankle or foot surgery using 3D technology and the future innovations in the field are improving rapidly.

The Future of 3D Printed Bone Replacement

The future potential of 3D printed bone replacement is vast, particularly for orthopedics. Research is being done to develop 3D bone replacement parts for surgery of many body parts for those who lose bones from genetic problems or serious diseases like cancer. New “hyper-elastic” bone is also being researched which will serve as a support and cushion for damaged or recovering bones and help them regrow and reach full health once again. The potential for those facing a potential loss of limb, long-term problems, osteoporosis, arthritis and many other conditions is incredible.  By designing custom joints and bone systems, 3D printed bone replacement is making ankle surgery and foot surgery a much more precise and life-changing endeavor and bringing hope to millions of people.

The future of 3D technology and foot and ankle surgery is getting brighter by the day. As technology improves, so do the options and services available to clients looking to come back from an injury or long-term degeneration. 

Dr. Bagwe is a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in ankle and foot reconstruction. If you are looking for an orthopedic surgeon near you then look no further, Dr. Bagwe is an industry leader when it comes to foot and ankle surgery doctors in St. Louis.

Reach out and contact us today.

Nondiscrimination Notice

Dr. Bagwe is an Orthopedic Surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri | As a world class lower extremity specialist Dr. Bagwe treats disorders of the knee, foot and ankle which cause acute or chronic pain. With several locations in the St. Louis metro area, we offer solutions for Arthritis, Sprains and strains, Bursitis and tendonitis, Fractures, sports related injuries, work related injuries, stress fracture, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Knee ligament tear (ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL), Meniscal (cartilage) tear, Heel spurs, Plantar fasciitis, Shin splints, Hammer toe and other toe disorders, Achilles tendon problems, Bunions, and more.

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