3D printing technology revolutionizes knee replacement surgery

3D printing in the operating room is making life a lot easier for patients who want to stay active, especially, those undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Climbing on a stationary bike isn’t new for 58-year-old Cody Pierce. A day after Thanksgiving 2016, Pierce had his left knee replaced with a one-size-fits-all prosthetic and had to hit the gym for physical therapy.

A year later, Pierce went back into the operating room because the cortisone shots were no longer numbing the pain on his right knee. This time, however, his replacement knee would be custom made.

“The technology is allowing us to do it in a more precise way,” said Dr. James Bean with The Sun City Orthopedic Group. The 3D technology isn’t new, but it’s new to El Paso. Bean has performed ten of these surgeries – all with good results.

“What I’ve really noticed is the early range of motion, and recovery range of motion, is quicker and better and they seem to have deep reflection,” Bean said, “(Patients) don’t have the post operative stiffness problems that other knees have that require periods of physical therapy.”

Only nine weeks post surgery, recovery after the 3D approach has been a lot faster for Pierce. “I had more movement in one day than I did with the previous knee at a month,” he said.

There’s a reason why Pierce is enjoying his mobility. The imaging technology created a 3D map of his knee to form a wax mold. That mold was then used to create a custom-made metal implant for a perfect fit and perfect alignment.

The process also looks at the entire leg, from the hip to the ankle. The custom knee implant takes about five weeks to make and is more expensive than a traditional knee implant, but for Pierce, regaining his range of motion and freedom is priceless.

The Sun City Orthopedic Group has offices at 1400 George Dieter, Suite 100 and 1810 Murchison, Suite 140. Its number is (915) 581-0712.