Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) ›› 2023, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (5): 1351-1357.doi: 10.13481/j.1671-587X.20230532

• Clinical medicine • Previous Articles    

3D printed titanium alloy sternum in treatment of patients with failed conventional titanium plate sternal reconstruction: A case report and literature review

Shuai LIU1,Shengtao SHANG1,Tengcheng YIN1,Jinru XUE1,Xiyu LIU1,Yinan HOU2,Yan WANG1()   

  1. 1.Department of Thoracic Surgery,China-Japan Union Hospital,Jilin University,Changchun 130033,China
    2.Department of Electrical Diagnosis,School Hospital,Northeast Normal University,Changchun 130024,China
  • Received:2022-11-03 Online:2023-09-28 Published:2023-10-26
  • Contact: Yan WANG E-mail:wyan2009@jlu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of 3D-printed titanium alloy sternum in the postoperative reconstruction of sternum in the patients with failed conventional titanium plate stermal reconstruction, and to provide the evidence for the treatment of such disease. Methods The clinical data of one patient with malignant sternum tumor were collected. The patient’s operation process was observed, and the recovery of the patient’s physical function was followed up. The relevant literatures were reviewed and summarized. Results One patient, a 59-year-old male, presented with sternum pain without obvious cause and received the chest computed tomography(CT) examination, which indicated a space-occupying lesion in the sternum. The patient was admitted with the diagnosis of “sternal tumor” and underwent partial sternectomy and conventional titanium plate placement in 2017. Subsequently, the patient experienced severe restriction of limb movement, titanium plate fracture, and deformation 1 year after operation. In 2019, 3D-printed titanium alloy sternum implantation was performed to repair the sternum defect and reconstruct the thoracic cage.Compared with before operation, the patient’s limb movement gradually recovered, ranging from passive to active activities, and the normal range of motion of the shoulder joint was gradually improved significantly after operation. In 2020, due to the thin subcutaneous fat and stable formation of fibrous connective tissue, the planned operation was performed to remove the 3D-printed titanium alloy sternal rib clavicle plate. The postoperative recovery of the patient was smooth, and the upper limb activity was normal and the quality of life was significantly improved.The prognosis was good. Conclusion The application of 3D-printed titanium alloy sternum enables precise personalized treatment, which is superior to the conventional titanium plate, and it can ensure the anatomical restoration and reduce the occurrence of complications in the patients.

Key words: Malignant neoplasm of sternum, 3D printed sternum, Sternal reconstruction, Functional repairment, Follow-up

CLC Number: 

  • R730.56