At simply eight years outdated, a Vietnamese boy with bone most cancers has obtained a 3D-printed femur — a medical first that has preserved not solely his limb however his childhood.
In what’s now thought-about a worldwide first, the kid underwent a complete femur substitute utilizing a totally custom-made 3D-printed titanium implant. Based on the U.S. Nationwide Library of Drugsall beforehand documented complete femur replacements have relied on conventional implant strategies, with no reported instances involving pediatric sufferers or 3D-printed, growth-adaptive prostheses.
The breakthrough process was carried out at Vinmec Instances Metropolis Worldwide Hospital in collaboration with VinUni’s Biomedical 3D Lab. It marks not solely a technical triumph but in addition a milestone within the development of precision medication in Vietnam.
Vietnam is quick turning into a key participant in Southeast Asia’s healthcare innovation panorama, as hospitals throughout the area flip to 3D printing to extend self-reliance and ship extra personalised therapy.
Market projections mirror this momentum. Based on Metatech Insightsthe Asia Pacific 3D printing healthcare market is about to develop from USD 1.04 billion in 2025 to over USD 6.7 billion by 2035, pushed by a CAGR exceeding 20%.
Inside this context, Vinmec’s femoral implant surgical procedure marks greater than a scientific breakthrough. Because the nation’s solely JCI-accredited well being system with Facilities of Excellence throughout 4 key specialties, Vinmec was honored in 2025 as Hospital Group and Know-how Innovator of the 12 months by the Healthcare Asia Awards.
Customized-Constructed Bone Implant Marks Breakthrough in Pediatric Most cancers Surgical procedure
Developed by collaboration between Vinmec Instances Metropolis Worldwide Hospital and biomedical engineers at VinUni’s 3D Lab, the modular titanium implant was designed and produced solely in Vietnam. Its construction accommodates bodily growth, making it one of many first growth-adaptive implants of its form utilized in kids.
BY VINMEC
The therapy was carried out in two surgical phases. In January 2024, the tumor was resected and a brief cement graft was positioned to keep up structural integrity. By Could 2025, as soon as the affected person had stabilized, the graft was changed with the patient-specific titanium femur.
“We contacted overseas producers however there was no appropriate design. Self-manufacturing the tools permits us to be proactive in therapy, it additionally paves the best way for a brand new path for Vietnamese medication.” stated MSc. Dr. Tran Duc Thanh, physician immediately partaking within the surgical procedure.
Past the innovation lies a deeply emotional story.
Identified with malignant bone most cancers and after present process chemotherapy, the kid was suggested by a number of hospitals to have his limb amputated as a life-saving measure. However the affected person’s mom held agency in her perception that her son deserved extra. Her resolve turned the catalyst for one in all Vietnam’s most superior surgical efforts.
At this time, the boy walks with a personalised implant that not solely restored his mobility however protected his dignity. In a area quickly embracing know-how, Vietnam’s newest success presents a glimpse of what is doable when innovation meets compassionate care.
