Professor Yoon Taek-rim of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, Excellent Presentation Award at the Korean Orthopedic Association Scientific Conference

The Nation's First Patient-Specific Implant Surgery in the Field of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Ja-min] Professor Yoon Taek-rim of the Department of Orthopedics at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital recently received the Excellence Presentation Award at the 65th Spring Academic Conference of the Korean Orthopedic Association in the ‘Subspecialty New Medical Technology Competition’.

According to Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital on the 14th, Professor Yoon summarized the surgical outcomes confirmed from many patients after successfully performing the country’s first patient-customized 3D-printed implant transplantation surgery in the field of revision total hip arthroplasty. He attracted attention at this competition by introducing the surgical methods and advantages.

Total joint arthroplasty is a surgery that replaces bones and articular cartilage damaged by arthritis, fractures, or other diseases with artificial joint materials after removal.

The artificial hip joint consists of a stem inserted into the femur, a ball that replaces the femoral head, and an acetabular cup fitted into the acetabulum.

Revision total hip arthroplasty has often been difficult to solve with conventional methods or prone to failure even after surgery when the bone around the artificial joint weakens or severe osteolysis occurs.

When extensive pelvic bone loss, including the pelvic acetabulum, makes it difficult to perform general revision total hip arthroplasty, normal walking becomes impossible, and surgery becomes more difficult over time, classifying it as one of the most challenging surgeries.

Professor Yoon’s team performed revision surgery on seven patients by restoring the collapsed bone around the hip joint with patient-customized 3D-printed implants reflecting the shape of the pelvic bone. Follow-up observations so far have shown successful results without any significant abnormalities.

Professor Yoon said, “Patient-customized 3D-printed implant transplantation surgery has much lower risks of side effects or complications such as inflammation compared to conventional revision surgeries, and the implant lifespan is longer, significantly reducing the probability of reoperation. Using 3D printing technology, implants can be custom-made for cases where restoration is difficult with existing surgical methods or where off-the-shelf artificial hip joints are unsuitable.”

He added, “It is also effective for planning surgery by directly viewing models made with a 3D printer before surgery and for explaining the surgical process to patients and their guardians to aid understanding.”

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