Doctors In Beijing Implant 3-D Vertebra in Patient

Surgeons at Peking University Third Hospital successfully implanted a 3-D printed section of the spinal column into a patient on June 12, the People’s Daily reports. 

Five vertebrae measuring 19 centimeters were implanted inside a patient who had been diagnosed with chordoma. It is reported that the patient suffered a malignant tumor on both the thoracic and lumbar vertebra, which doctors were forced to remove.

Liu Zhongjun, the director of orthopedics at Third Hospital, created a new section of the spine using advanced 3-D printing technology. 

The Food and Drug Administration in China approved the artificial vertebrae in May. The surgery lasted about six hours and was considered a success.  

[Images via People's Daily]