Israel’s first 3D printed biocompatible bone replacement performed at Sheba
New milestone for limb repair and reconstructive surgery
The first successful surgery in Israel to implant a biocompatible, 3D-printed bone replacement was carried out at Sheba Medical Center. The pioneering procedure was led by the Hand Surgery Department, under Dr. Tzvi Steinberger and Dr. Amir Arami, utilizing a custom-designed implant created by Sheba’s PlanNet 3D solution center, headed by Dr. Dina Orkin.
The patient, who had suffered the loss of most of the ulna bone in his arm, received a customized implant made from PEKK (Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone).
Unlike older implants, this 3D printed lattice is hollow and porous, designed to be filled with grafts or stem-cell–based substitutes from the patient’s own body. This structure allows bone marrow and blood vessels to grow naturally into the implant, enabling it to integrate with the patient’s skeleton while reducing the risk of rejection.
Overcoming the limits of past solutions
Traditional solutions for severe bone damage have been far more limited. Surgeons were often forced to choose between plastic implants, which could not integrate with the body and carried ongoing risks of rejection, or bone grafts taken from another part of the patient’s body, which were difficult to harvest and rarely a precise match.
By contrast, this new procedure offers patients a replacement part that is designed specifically for their anatomy and can integrate naturally with their own biological material.
Looking ahead: toward perfect bone replacements
The implant was produced by Oxford Performance Materials, the only company specializing in medical-grade PEKK printing. By combining advanced materials science with Sheba’s surgical expertise, the team has opened the door to a new generation of patient-specific bone replacements.
Looking ahead, Sheba’s specialists are exploring future applications that may include implants seeded entirely with stem-cell–derived bone and marrow. Such advancements could further strengthen integration and resilience, moving even closer to perfect replacement parts.
Sheba Medical Center’s first 3D printed biocompatible bone implant represents a turning point in reconstructive surgery. By uniting innovation, expertise, and patient-centered care, Sheba is shaping a future where personalized implants restore not only mobility but also hope for patients in Israel and worldwide.
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