Andrew Jensen, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCLA, has made a significant advance in surgical preparation by becoming the first surgeon in the UCLA system to print a 3D model of a clavicle. This development, highlighted in a report by Spectrum News 1, involved creating a detailed model of a patient’s healthy right clavicle to assist in planning an operation on the patient’s left clavicle.
By utilizing this 3D-printed template, Dr. Jensen was able to strategically determine where to make cuts during the surgery, enhancing precision and potentially improving outcomes. The cost of producing this 3D model was approximately $1,000.
According to an American Hospital Association report from 2022, more than 100 hospitals across the United States have established dedicated 3D-printing facilities to elevate surgical and treatment capabilities.