At just eight years old, a Vietnamese boy with bone cancer has received a 3D-printed femur — a medical first that has preserved not only his limb but his childhood.
In what is now considered a global first, the child underwent a total femur replacement using a fully customized 3D-printed titanium implant. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, all previously documented total femur replacements have relied on traditional implant techniques, with no reported cases involving pediatric patients or 3D-printed, growth-adaptive prostheses.
The breakthrough procedure was carried out at Vinmec Times City International Hospital in collaboration with VinUni's Biomedical 3D Lab. It marks not only a technical triumph but also a milestone in the advancement of precision medicine in Vietnam.
Vietnam is fast becoming a key player in Southeast Asia's healthcare innovation landscape, as hospitals across the region turn to 3D printing to increase self-reliance and deliver more personalized treatment.
Market projections reflect this momentum. According to Metatech Insights, the Asia Pacific 3D printing healthcare market is set to expand from USD 1.04 billion in 2025 to over USD 6.7 billion by 2035, driven by a CAGR exceeding 20%.
Within this context, Vinmec's femoral implant surgery marks more than a clinical breakthrough. As the nation's only JCI-accredited health system with Centers of Excellence across four key specialties, Vinmec was honored in 2025 as Hospital Group and Technology Innovator of the Year by the Healthcare Asia Awards.
Custom-Built Bone Implant Marks Breakthrough in Pediatric Cancer Surgery
Developed through collaboration between Vinmec Times City International Hospital and biomedical engineers at VinUni's 3D Lab, the modular titanium implant was designed and produced entirely in Vietnam. Its structure accommodates physical development, making it one of the first growth-adaptive implants of its kind used in children.
The treatment was carried out in two surgical phases. In January 2024, the tumor was resected and a temporary cement graft was placed to maintain structural integrity. By May 2025, once the patient had stabilized, the graft was replaced with the patient-specific titanium femur.
"We contacted foreign manufacturers but there was no suitable design. Self-manufacturing the equipment allows us to be proactive in treatment, it also paves the way for a new direction for Vietnamese medicine." said MSc. Dr. Tran Duc Thanh, doctor directly engaging in the surgery.
Beyond the innovation lies a deeply emotional story.
Diagnosed with malignant bone cancer and after undergoing chemotherapy, the child was advised by several hospitals to have his limb amputated as a life-saving measure. But the patient's mother held firm in her belief that her son deserved more. Her resolve became the catalyst for one of Vietnam's most advanced surgical efforts.
Today, the boy walks with a personalized implant that not only restored his mobility but protected his dignity. In a region rapidly embracing technology, Vietnam's latest success offers a glimpse of what's possible when innovation meets compassionate care.
Originally published on Medical Daily
