LOS ANGELES — The use of 3D printing has been prominent over recent years and is becoming more mainstream in the medical field.

Jens Rosmus is a 54-year-old who lives in Southern California. He lives an active lifestyle and participates in several outdoor activities, which makes him push his body to the maximum. He faced some health challenges after injuring his shoulder in a motorcycle accident.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the National Institute of Health, 95% of surgeons across the country said 3D-printed models are a valuable tool in the medical field

  • Dr. Andrew Jensen is the first orthopedic surgeon at UCLA to use a 3D-printed model

  • The American Hospital Association said there are more than 100 hospitals around the nation who have a centralized 3D-printing facility

“I picked up beach tennis, and other sports where I used my shoulder again, and I realized I can’t even do a serve,” Rosmus said. “I tried to lift my arm, and it wouldn’t go anywhere. That’s when I realized I really had to have the surgery.”

Rosmus’ left clavicle didn’t set correctly, and he was having issues using his arm. He met with Dr. Andrew Jensen, an orthopedic surgeon at UCLA, who was able to use a 3D-printed model of Rosmus’ healthy right clavicle to try to rectify the issue with his left side.

“What we did is we 3D printed a model of his abnormal clavicle,” Jensen said. “This is a 3D-printed model of his abnormal clavicle, but of his anatomy, and you can actually template out where the cuts are supposed to be.”

UCLA said the cost of the model was roughly $1,000, and using it helped Jensen set Rosmus’ left clavicle correctly. The physician said using a 3D-printed model benefits both the doctor and the patient.

“They’re under anesthesia less time, less likely you have a medical complication. There’s also the incision is open to air a shorter amount of time that decreases the risk of infection,” Jensen said. “There’s also just a higher degree, both for the patient and the physician, it’s going to heal well, it’s going to heal in the right position, no surgery will ever be perfect, but you’re getting closer and closer to perfection.”

The American Hospital Association says that, as of 2022, more than 100 hospitals across the nation have a centralized 3D-printing facility. Jensen said the technology is still relatively new, but we will see it being used more and more in the medical field. 

“Without a question, it’s improving surgical planning and surgical techniques,” Jensen said. “So I anticipate widespread adoption soon as these technologies kind of spread throughout the country.”

For Rosmus, the surgery was a success. He now has a full range of motion in his left shoulder and plans to continue to live an active lifestyle.

“It gives me even physically a wide open feeling,” Rosmus said. “I mean, I’m feeling much more just flexible, and yeah, I’m just excited to be doing all of the sports again.”