An Australian man is the first in the world to receive a 3D printed shinbone after developing a bone infection.

Choosing between losing his right leg or trying out experimental surgery with a 3D printed tibia, Reuben Lichter took a leap into the unknown.

Last year, Lichter developed an infection which was destroying his tibia, and has undergone five major operations in just six months. During this time, a 3D printed 36-centimetre “scaffold” was transplanted.

Surgeons from Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital are hopeful that they’ve saved Lichter’s leg. In the interim, Lichter’s first child, William, was born. Lichter’s partner, Caity Bell, gave birth just two days before Lichter was admitted to hospital.

The new father is now optimistic that when his leg heals, he’ll be able to take his son skiing. He explains:

“If there was a chance for me to save my leg and do the things I want to do with my son, then I was going to take it. I wasn’t going to lose my leg without having a fight… But in the meantime, it looks like he might walk before me.”

World’s First 3D Printed Shinbone Scaffold Transplant

The 3D printed tibia was wrapped in leg tissue and blood vessels from Lichter’s tibias and left knee. However, the process began with engineers from Queensland University of Technology modeling the tibia scaffold and creating plastic prototypes.

The surgeons first drained pus from Lichter’s leg. They were then able to test prototypes before the final design was ready to be transplanted. This final design was printed in Singapore before it was ready for operation in the Princess Alexandra hospital.

Slowly, as new bone grows around the scaffold, the 3D print will dissolve and a new shinbone will be left. However, doctors can’t be sure whether the tibia will fully heal and grow.

The reason for this is that so far, the procedure has only been trialled on sheep. Later this year, more sheep will be tested and experimental biomechanical research will give more information about the strength and pace of Lichter’s bone growth.

Although there is a long road to recovery for Lichter, so far doctors are positive he’ll get to go on that skiing holiday when his son is old enough and they’re both walking.

If this story has pulled your heart strings and you’d like to help out, Lichter’s wife has set up a GoFundMe page where you can donate.

Source: The Age