When we say “3D printer”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe a big printer makes complex objects like cups, sculptures, or maybe you’ve seen an Instagram channel where people created all kinds of Pokemon etc. using a 3D printer. Although 3D printing is becoming extremely popular and has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, this technology is not just limited to production. In fact, it is saving lives, like by giving a new life to a little puppy from the USA, thanks to the innovative use of a 3D printer to create spinal screws.

Six-month-old Cockapoo Arthur reportedly suffered a terrible collapse that left him unable to move. As the New York Post reports, his owner, Natalie Jones, noticed Arthur’s sudden screams and rushed him to Chestergates Veterinary Hospital in Chester, Cheshire. At the hospital, veterinarians immediately performed MRI scans and X-rays that revealed a serious and critical condition: a portion of Arthur’s spine was misaligned, compressing his spinal cord and causing paralysis of his limbs. The prognosis was grim, and immediate surgery was necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Given the time constraints, the veterinary team dedicated themselves to undertaking the surgery and used 3D-printed spinal screws, which were not only a huge leap forward technologically but also provided a customized solution to Arthur’s unique spinal deformity. The surgery was successful and three months after the surgery, Arthur is not only walking again but is also regaining his playful puppy behavior.

“Arthur’s situation was very serious, as these bone abnormalities could have been life-threatening due to their location so close to the brain stem. The use of 3D-printed technology increased the precision of this complex surgery, which was successful, significantly improving Arthur’s prognosis,” said veterinarian Rocchio Orlandi, who led the team of surgeons, to the New York Post.

What is 3D printing and how does it work?

While the puppy regains his life, your curious mind must be wondering how exactly this 3D printer works with such precision. Well, to put it simply, 3D printing is a process in which a digital blueprint is used to build a physical object layer by layer. In medicine, in particular, this technology allows creating custom-made implants using biocompatible materials like titanium. Imagine a mold perfectly shaped for Arthur’s unique spine, providing better support and reducing the risk of rejection.

However, Arthur’s story is just one example of how 3D printing is revolutionizing veterinary medicine. Healthcare professionals are using 3D printing to create lightweight but strong prosthetics that are perfectly tailored to a patient’s needs. The technology is also used in custom-designed implants that offer a more natural fit and function than traditional options. 3D-printed models of organs and bones can help surgeons plan complex procedures with greater precision. Interestingly, as 3D printing technology continues to develop, we can expect even more innovative applications in the medical field.