Bones can now be regenerated using 3D printing technology

Thiruvananthapuram: If bone is lost due to some circumstance, it can now be printed and placed in the body. Bones that have been lost due to accidents, amputation, or destruction due to conditions like cancer can be restored using 3D printing technology. 

Bones in any part of the body can be regenerated using this technology. Dr Adarsh, Surgeon and Assistant Professor at PMS Dental College presented the thesis on bone printing technology in a national seminar conducted by the Indian Medical Association. PMS Dental College through a startup company has also launched such a printer.

Treatment plan

The CT scan of the patient is taken and the sketch of the bone is created using software. The required bone will then be printed using 3D printing technology. Poly(methyl methacrylate) filaments are used for printing. A mineral called hydroxyapatite is also added for durability. The bone can be printed using the filament based on the prepared outline.

It takes about an hour to print small bones. It costs around Rs 400-600 to print a single gram of bone. Later, this is implanted into the body using surgery. Within six months, the printed bone will fuse with the other bones of the body.

Inspiration for the invention

Usually, bone grafting is done by taking bones from the patient’s own body and implanting it elsewhere. This can lead to scarring in two places and the cost is also significantly high. Even after surgery, recovery needs to take place in two areas of the body. With the development of this technology, surgery and treatment will become easier, Adarsh says.

The manufacturing cost of the printer alone cost Rs 5 lakh. The idea was first thought of about four years ago and has now become a reality.