Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital

Dr. Kyu Cheol Noh, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital registered a patent on 'Method of forming the 3D printing model before a surgery of clavicle fracture.'

Plate fixation surgery is commonly performed in people who suffer from clavicle fractures, but doctors often found it difficult to find a plate that fits the fractured part nicely. Another problem was that the surgery always left a large scar since a large incision was normally needed. But with the method of forming the 3D printing model, a surgeon can measure the length of a patient’s clavicle, select a plate and perform a simulation prior to surgery. In this way, only a small incision is needed and surgical time is also decreased, which is very helpful in making a rapid recovery as well as reducing physical and psychological distress of a patient.

Dr. Noh said, "By using the latest technologies such as 3D printing, we will continue to try to improve the patient convenience."

By Chul Kwon, Int’l Cooperation Team, HUMC (chris@hallym.or.kr)