Challenge: Complex Shoulder Bone Graft in a Hard-to-Access Location
Surgeons at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, faced a unique challenge—a patient with a hole in the shoulder blade that required a precise bone graft. The procedure was particularly difficult due to the unusual location and limited accessibility. Traditional imaging techniques provided valuable insight, but the surgical team wanted a way to physically interact with the anatomy before performing the procedure.
Solution: Patient-Specific 3D Printed Shoulder Model
To improve surgical preparation, Hoag Hospital’s team sent X-ray data of the patient’s shoulder to Dinsmore Inc., a leading 3D printing and additive manufacturing provider.
Dinsmore’s engineering and design experts quickly transformed the imaging data into an exact 3D model of the patient’s shoulder blade. The SLA (stereolithography) process was used to produce the model with:
- High-detail resolution for an accurate anatomical replica
- Realistic surface texture mimicking actual bone
- Fast turnaround, with the model created in just hours
“Dinsmore made the 3D model that allowed us to do a practice surgery and help our patient — and they got us the parts quickly.” — Dr. Scott Williams, Hoag Hospital
Results: Enhanced Surgical Precision & a Successful Operation
With the physical 3D model in hand, Hoag’s surgeons were able to:
- Conduct a trial run of the complex surgery before the actual procedure.
- Refine their approach, ensuring accuracy and minimizing intraoperative surprises.
- Increase surgical confidence, improving precision and patient safety.
The outcome? A successful surgery and an improved recovery outlook for the patient.
Conclusion: The Future of Surgical Planning with 3D Printing
This case highlights how 3D printing can revolutionize surgical preparation, allowing doctors to practice procedures, reduce risks, and enhance patient outcomes. By bringing digital imaging to life, Hoag Hospital and Dinsmore Inc. demonstrated how additive manufacturing can improve precision in even the most complex medical cases.