Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion
BackgroundComplex interbody fusion remains challenging, while traditional surgical instruments are not suitable for complex spinal deformities. Porous tantalum (Ta) has excellent osteogenic properties, but there is currently a lack of research on its application in cervical thoracic interbody fusion...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1625650/full |
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| author | Chang Chen Huaquan Fan Ge Chen Zhong Li Puquan Wang Fuyou Wang |
| author_facet | Chang Chen Huaquan Fan Ge Chen Zhong Li Puquan Wang Fuyou Wang |
| author_sort | Chang Chen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundComplex interbody fusion remains challenging, while traditional surgical instruments are not suitable for complex spinal deformities. Porous tantalum (Ta) has excellent osteogenic properties, but there is currently a lack of research on its application in cervical thoracic interbody fusion.ObjectiveTo introduce the application of selective electron beam melting (SEBM) 3D printing technology in customized porous Ta vertebral fusion implants and evaluate its mid-term clinical efficacy in complex cervical thoracic fusion surgery. Method: Porous Ta implants were manufactured using SEBM technology. The mechanical properties were optimized and characterized. Three patients who underwent complex cervical and thoracic fusion surgery were prospectively recruited. 3D printing technology is used for preoperative planning and customized implant design. Surgical techniques and postoperative management follow standard procedures, with regular follow-up including clinical and imaging evaluations.ResultPorous Ta implants have satisfactory pore structure and surface characteristics, with mechanical properties. All three surgeries were successful. The operation time is 188–525 min (average 387.7 min), the intraoperative blood loss is 300–1,000 mL (average 695 mL), and the hospitalization time is 21–36 days (average 30.0 days). After an average follow-up of 24.3 months, the patient’s pain symptoms improved significantly and no serious complications occurred.ConclusionThe use of 3D printed personalized porous tantalum implants in complex spinal fusion procedures is feasible and has shown significant benefits. Future research should focus on validating these results through larger cohorts and long-term follow-up to explore the broader application prospects. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4e331df8b37f470dbd9ffc9af9d10275 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-4185 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
| spelling | doaj-art-4e331df8b37f470dbd9ffc9af9d102752025-08-21T05:27:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology2296-41852025-08-011310.3389/fbioe.2025.16256501625650Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusionChang Chen0Huaquan Fan1Ge Chen2Zhong Li3Puquan Wang4Fuyou Wang5Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation, Jiangbei Branch of The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, ChinaCenter for Joint Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaDepartment of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, ChinaDepartment of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, ChinaCenter for Joint Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaDepartment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation, Jiangbei Branch of The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, ChinaBackgroundComplex interbody fusion remains challenging, while traditional surgical instruments are not suitable for complex spinal deformities. Porous tantalum (Ta) has excellent osteogenic properties, but there is currently a lack of research on its application in cervical thoracic interbody fusion.ObjectiveTo introduce the application of selective electron beam melting (SEBM) 3D printing technology in customized porous Ta vertebral fusion implants and evaluate its mid-term clinical efficacy in complex cervical thoracic fusion surgery. Method: Porous Ta implants were manufactured using SEBM technology. The mechanical properties were optimized and characterized. Three patients who underwent complex cervical and thoracic fusion surgery were prospectively recruited. 3D printing technology is used for preoperative planning and customized implant design. Surgical techniques and postoperative management follow standard procedures, with regular follow-up including clinical and imaging evaluations.ResultPorous Ta implants have satisfactory pore structure and surface characteristics, with mechanical properties. All three surgeries were successful. The operation time is 188–525 min (average 387.7 min), the intraoperative blood loss is 300–1,000 mL (average 695 mL), and the hospitalization time is 21–36 days (average 30.0 days). After an average follow-up of 24.3 months, the patient’s pain symptoms improved significantly and no serious complications occurred.ConclusionThe use of 3D printed personalized porous tantalum implants in complex spinal fusion procedures is feasible and has shown significant benefits. Future research should focus on validating these results through larger cohorts and long-term follow-up to explore the broader application prospects.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1625650/fullporous tantalumcervical vertebral deformitythoracic spine tumoradditive manufacturinginterbody fusionclinical efficacy |
| spellingShingle | Chang Chen Huaquan Fan Ge Chen Zhong Li Puquan Wang Fuyou Wang Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology porous tantalum cervical vertebral deformity thoracic spine tumor additive manufacturing interbody fusion clinical efficacy |
| title | Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion |
| title_full | Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion |
| title_fullStr | Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion |
| title_full_unstemmed | Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion |
| title_short | Personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3D printing: new horizons in complex cervical-thoracic spinal fusion |
| title_sort | personalized porous tantalum implants crafted via 3d printing new horizons in complex cervical thoracic spinal fusion |
| topic | porous tantalum cervical vertebral deformity thoracic spine tumor additive manufacturing interbody fusion clinical efficacy |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1625650/full |
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