A custom-made 3D-printed implant restores autonomy to a 63-year-old patient: one of the most complex hip replacement revision surgeries in Italy at Arnas Brotzu .

It was performed by the team of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, directed by Giuseppe Dessì.

The patient had undergone an initial left total hip replacement in France in 1985 and, subsequently, a revision surgery in 2000 due to the failure of the prosthesis. Over the years, a situation had arisen where traditional commercially available revision prostheses had become unusable . The surgery therefore involved removal of the loosened prosthesis, reconstruction of the bone defect with a bone graft, and subsequent implantation of the customized component, allowing for stable reconstruction of the joint and restoration of the correct hip rotation center.

After the rehabilitation process, the patient gradually recovered the functionality of the operated limb, returning to normal daily activities independently . This is the first surgery of its kind performed in Sardinia and one of the few performed in Italy using a fully customized acetabular reconstruction.

"3D printing technology is now consolidating its role in orthopedic surgery and is enabling us to address clinical situations that, until just a few years ago, presented enormous technical challenges," comments Giuseppe Dessì, Director of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit. General Manager Maurizio Marcias is also pleased. "A Sardinian patient," he explains, "even faced with an extremely challenging case, can find in their own region the expertise, technology, and professionalism to provide solutions that, until just a few years ago, would have required transfer to national or international centers. This achievement is the result of teamwork, continuous investment in expertise, and collaboration between diverse professionals, united by a single goal: to offer patients the best treatment options. We chose to share this experience only after verifying its clinical effectiveness, because we believe that the best communication is based on results, and we want to instill confidence and hope in those facing complex treatment paths."

(Unioneonline)

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