Five patients suffering from primary low-grade cancer of the pelvis have regained their freedom to walk and take care of themselves after an innovative surgical procedure. The procedure was a hemipelvis resection, but uniquely, they were replaced with a titanium alloy artificial pelvis. Let's take a look.
Previously, the traditional treatment for primary malignant cancers of the pelvis was hemipelvic amputation including the affected lower limb. This kind of surgery is extensive and causes great inconvenience to the patient's life after surgery. However, the Department of Orthopedics of Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University and Zhangjiagang Medical Instrument Factory have joined hands to develop an artificial pelvis made of high-strength titanium alloy.
Since 1983, five patients have been implanted with this titanium alloy artificial pelvis. The surgery results showed no shortening of the affected limb after the operation, the joint was stable and functioned normally. After a few months, these patients were able to walk with crutches. After 10 months to more than 3 years of follow-up, no tumor recurrence was detected and the functional recovery was good.
Titanium alloys, especially ZT4 alloy (Ti-6al-4V), are highly regarded among titanium alloy artificial pelvis materials because of their low density, high strength, non-toxicity, and good biocompatibility. It meets the human body's need for material strength, forms good compatibility with human tissues, and reduces rejection.
An aerospace materials research institute has been studying the casting process of artificial joints since 1973 and has successfully produced the inexpensive and simple ZT4 alloy shift-axis hinged knee joint. The institute has produced more than 1,000 sets of blanks, which have been processed by relevant units and provided to more than 40 hospitals for clinical trials. So far, more than 200 patients have benefited from it and avoided the fate of amputation.
At present, the artificial knee joints that have been finalized by a research institute have more than 20 specifications of 8 kinds and have been combined into whole femur, whole sacrum, etc., which provide more choices and possibilities for more patients in need of joint replacement.
The successful application of titanium alloy artificial pelvis and joints not only brings new treatment hope for patients with primary malignant tumor cancer in the pelvis, but also opens up a new path for the development of artificial joint materials.
