Australian patient Reuben Lichter faced the possibility of losing his leg above the knee because of a severe bone infection. Instead, he agreed to undergo a procedure that had never before been performed on this scale, and today he is able to walk independently.
Based on reporting by ABC News Australia.
A disease that destroyed the bone
In 2017, Reuben Lichter, who had been planning a career in aviation, developed osteomyelitis, a severe infection and inflammation of bone.
The disease destroyed approximately 36 centimeters of his right tibia. In many cases involving bone loss of this magnitude, above-the-knee amputation may be considered.
Doctors offered Reuben a choice: amputation or participation in an experimental treatment with no guarantee of success.
He chose the second option, hoping to preserve his leg for himself and his family, including his young son.
Bone reconstruction with 3D printing
A research team from Queensland University of Technology created a digital model of the bone defect using the patient’s CT scans.
They then designed a patient-specific porous scaffold intended to guide the growth of new bone tissue. The scaffold itself was 3D printed in Singapore and subsequently implanted during a series of five operations performed by a plastic surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The scaffold was surrounded by the patient’s own tissue and blood vessels harvested from both legs to provide the blood supply required for bone regeneration.
Doctors described the procedure as the first of its kind in the world on this scale.
Two years later: walking independently
The road to recovery was long and difficult, and Reuben acknowledged that there were times when he questioned his decision.
However, two years after the procedure, Reuben Lichter was able to walk without assistance for the first time since his treatment began.
Doctors and researchers described the milestone as an important step forward for the field of bone regeneration.
This case demonstrates how 3D-printing technologies and resorbable materials may open new possibilities for limb reconstruction in patients with severe infections or traumatic bone loss, including situations in which amputation might otherwise be considered.
Source: ABC News Australia. 3D-printed tibia patient walking unaided, two years on from surgery.
