Orthopedics | Unfreezing the Ice: Peking University People’s Hospital Performs a Customized 3D-Printed Elbow Joint Replacement for Patient with Rare Disease
“人民”团队完成罕见病僵直患者肘关节置换

2025-08-13

A 40-year-old woman with severe joint stiffness from childhood has regained elbow mobility through a groundbreaking customized joint replacement at Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH).

Xiaojing (pseudonym), diagnosed with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age six, had lived with near-total joint immobility for decades. Standing just 1.3m tall and weighing 26kg, her small frame made standard prosthetics impossible.

The PKUPH orthopedic team pioneered a solution using 3D printing technology. They designed a millimeter-perfect porous implant through CT imaging and bionic modeling, then collaborated with anesthesiology and biomedical engineering specialists to address the patient's unique challenges.

Key surgical innovations included:

• Custom ultra-small elbow prosthesis
• Ultrasound-guided nerve block for anesthesia
• Precise implantation despite fused joints and airway limitations

This case demonstrates how multidisciplinary collaboration can overcome even the most complex medical challenges. The successful procedure marks another milestone in PKUPH's commitment to personalized, innovative care.