This innovative surgical method for ankle joints, which only one other surgeon in the world has mastered, was performed in Graz by orthopaedic surgeon Christof Pabinger.
3D model visualises pain
The joint-preserving ankle operation, which lasts just under an hour, is the final part of a precisely planned treatment method. First, the pain in the joint is visualised using radioactive material and computer tomography, from which a 3D model is created on the computer. During the operation, the ankle joint is then raised and given more space with the help of a titanium implant - this should help to alleviate the pain. A 3D printer has customised all the aids for the operation:
"During the operation, I only have to put on the template, as it only fits exactly where it should. There are two slots in the template, I put my saw in there, then I can cut out the angle and make the trial holes for the screws. This makes the operation quicker, easier, with less blood loss and I also feel safer doing it," says Pabinger.
The titanium plate is moulded into the correct shape and brings the two bones into the right position.
#schongenial - We make positive things visible, already ingenious!
Source: red, steiermark.ORF.at
