For the first time the world successfully grafted titanium finger

A Thai cancer patient has just received a thumb implant from titanium material instead of regular bone thanks to 3D technology.

Dr. Thipachart Punyaratabandhu, Head of Orthopedic Department at Phramongkutklao Hospital (Thailand) confirmed this information on January 26, Asiaone reported. The surgical patient was a 37-year-old woman who lost her thumb due to a tumor, becoming the first person in the world to receive a titanium finger transplant .

Picture of the patient's hand after a titanium bone graft.(Photo: The Nation / ANN).

Usually, the missing bone part of the patient is replaced by the hip or leg bone. In this case, the hip and leg bones are not suitable for the thumb joint, so it is not possible to use grafting. Using titanium bone allows new fingers to move freely.

"The patient will not be able to use the finger and the tumor can return if we apply the old method. With 3D titanium bone , she will regain the ability of the hand," Dr Thipachart said. Before the successful operation of the surgery, the medical team from Phramongkutklao Hospital collaborated with engineers from Chulalongkorn University to study for 2 years.

Technician Boonrat Lohwongwatana explained that the experts had followed the X-ray image of the patient's other hand to copy and create a 3D model and finally the titanium bone. Titanium material is considered to be lighter, stronger, cheaper and safer than traditional methods.

"This technique can be used to replace other parts of the body and the patient only takes a few weeks to wait," Boonrat said.