At simply eight years outdated, a Vietnamese boy with bone most cancers has acquired a 3D-printed femur — a medical first that has preserved not solely his limb however his childhood.
In what’s now thought of a world first, the kid underwent a complete femur substitute utilizing a completely custom-made 3D-printed titanium implant. In line with the U.S. Nationwide Library of Medication, all beforehand documented complete femur replacements have relied on conventional implant methods, with no reported instances involving pediatric sufferers or 3D-printed, growth-adaptive prostheses.
The breakthrough process was carried out at Vinmec Occasions Metropolis Worldwide Hospital in collaboration with VinUni’s Biomedical 3D Lab. It marks not solely a technical triumph but additionally a milestone within the development of precision medication in Vietnam.
Vietnam is quick changing 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 customized remedy.
Market projections replicate this momentum. In line with Metatech Insights, the Asia Pacific 3D printing healthcare market is ready 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 Yr by the Healthcare Asia Awards.
Customized-Constructed Bone Implant Marks Breakthrough in Pediatric Most cancers Surgical procedure
Developed by way of collaboration between Vinmec Occasions 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 improvement, making it one of many first growth-adaptive implants of its variety utilized in youngsters.
BY VINMEC
The remedy 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 Might 2025, as soon as the affected person had stabilized, the graft was changed with the patient-specific titanium femur.
“We contacted international producers however there was no appropriate design. Self-manufacturing the tools permits us to be proactive in remedy, it additionally paves the best way for a brand new route for Vietnamese medication.” stated MSc. Dr. Tran Duc Thanh, physician instantly 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.
Right now, the boy walks with a customized implant that not solely restored his mobility however protected his dignity. In a area quickly embracing know-how, Vietnam’s newest success affords a glimpse of what is doable when innovation meets compassionate care.
