This is also the first biomedical product designed and manufactured domestically, marking an important step forward in the application of precision medicine in Vietnam.
Vinmec successfully performed total femur replacement surgery for a young child using 3D printing technology.
Journey of not surrendering to fate
In October 2022, after a minor fall, Tran Minh Duc (HCMC) suffered pain in his left thigh. Thinking it was just a simple injury, his family took him to the doctor and were shocked to receive bad news: he had osteosarcoma - malignant bone cancer with a tumor that had invaded the entire femur. The disease is common in adolescents, rare and dangerous in young children.
Faced with a poor prognosis, medical facilities all recommended amputation to ensure life or traditional bone grafting. All methods carry a high risk of rejection and infection, especially for young children in the development stage. However, Ms. Xuan Hoang - Duc's mother did not accept. For nearly two years, she and her child traveled to large and small hospitals, looking for every way to save her child's legs. While undergoing chemotherapy, she carried her child to class every day, and at night she diligently researched medical documents and contacted doctors at home and abroad.
She shared: “Every day my child asks me: will I be able to walk in the future? I can’t answer if I give up. My child deserves a fulfilling childhood.”
Hope glimmered when she met Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung - Director of the Orthopedic Council, Vinmec Healthcare System. A solution that had never been done before on such a young patient was proposed: replacing the entire femur with personalized 3D printed material, manufactured in Vietnam.
“History-making” surgery with Vietnamese technology
According to Professor, Doctor Tran Trung Dung, the entire femur of Duc has been invaded by the tumor. To ensure survival, it must be completely removed. However, the types of artificial joints on the market are not suitable for the young body.
After many interdisciplinary consultations including orthopedic trauma, oncology, diagnostic imaging, pathology, clinical pharmacy, etc., the Vinmec team of experts agreed on the optimal treatment plan as a two-stage surgery. Phase 1 (1/2024): tumor resection and temporary bone cement grafting. Phase 2 (5/2025): replacement of the entire femur with a “tailor-made” 3D printed metal material.”
On January 29, 2024, Duc underwent his first surgery to remove the entire tumor and temporarily graft bone with cement. By May 2025, when his health had stabilized, he had his entire artificial femur replaced with a "tailor-made" 3D printed metal, marking the first time the technology was applied to a young child and the first time it was produced by the collaboration between Vinmec doctors and the engineering team of VinUni University. The bone is designed in a modular form that allows for extension according to the child's physical development.
Master, Doctor Tran Duc Thanh, who directly participated in the surgery, said: “We contacted foreign companies but did not have a suitable design. Making our own equipment not only helps us to be proactive in treatment, but also opens up a new direction for Vietnamese medicine.”
Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, walking with physical therapy support, with absolutely no complications of infection or graft rejection.
According to Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung: “The 4-hour surgery was successful. Duc recovered quickly, without complications, and was able to walk with physical therapy support. The event not only marked a breakthrough in complex techniques but also demonstrated the smooth coordination between multidisciplinary teams. The patient's life was preserved while his limbs were kept intact.”
Vinmec pioneers personalized precision medicine in Vietnam
From a boy who once faced the risk of amputation and lifelong dependence, Minh Duc can now walk on his own two feet, with the support of physical therapy, without complications of infection or transplant rejection. Each of his steps is the crystallization of precision medicine, high technology and unyielding maternal love.
“When my child stood up, I was both happy and nervous. It had been almost two years since he had walked. But he did it. I just hope that soon he will be able to ride a bike and play soccer like his friends,” Ms. Hoang said, choking up.
Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung shared: “We believe that modern medicine must go hand in hand with compassion. Duc is not only a special case, but also a story of determination, maternal love and the belief that what seems impossible can still happen if you do not give up.”
Baby Minh Duc practices rehabilitation after surgery.
Vinmec is currently one of the first healthcare systems in Vietnam to apply personalized 3D printing technology in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Instead of using standardized equipment, Vinmec designs individual artificial joints and bones for each patient, based on CT and MRI data, helping to optimize motor function, increase accuracy and shorten recovery time.
To date, Vinmec has successfully completed many difficult and rare cases such as liver transplantation for an 8-month-old patient from a brain-dead donor, reconstruction of the chest wall with 3D printed titanium, and simultaneous replacement of the pelvis and femur with 3D printed bones.
With continuous breakthroughs and medical miracles in the application of high technology and precision medicine, Vinmec continues to affirm its aspiration to bring Vietnam to the world level of medicine. Vinmec - a place that not only heals but also creates the future.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/vinmec-lan-dau-thay-toan-bo-xuong-dui-cho-benh-nhi-ung-thu-nho-tuoi-20250609135141653.htm
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