Patient-specific implants · 3D printing · Grade III Class A

3D-printed implants — a prosthesis for your anatomy

Usually the patient is fitted to a standard implant. 3D printing does the opposite: the prosthesis is designed for the specific person from their scans. Here's when that decides the outcome — and why it works paired with the robot.

What is 3D printing in orthopedics

Implants and prostheses usually come in a set of standard sizes, and the surgeon's task is to pick the “closest fit.” 3D printing turns this logic around: the implant is made individually for the specific patient's anatomy. From the scans, a precise three-dimensional model of the bone is built and a prosthesis is printed that matches this very person.

The patient is not fitted to the implant; the implant is designed for the patient. In complex cases this fundamentally changes the outcome.

Why it matters

In simple situations a standard implant is enough. But there are cases where the “closest size” is a compromise, and a patient-specific implant is the answer:

How a patient-specific implant is created

3D printing and the robot — stronger together

A patient-specific implant answers “what to place,” while the TiRobot robot answers “how to place it precisely.” First the implant is designed for the patient, then navigation helps set it exactly to plan. This pairing is what sets FFCH's modern orthopedics apart.

Why 3D printing at FFCH

Patient-specific implants require an engineering base, software, and surgeons skilled at working with them. Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital is a top-category hospital Grade III Class Awhere 3D printing, robotic navigation and joint replacement work under a single board. For an international patient — interpreters, help with the visa, and documents for your doctor at home.

Frequently asked questions
What is a 3D-printed implant, in simple terms?
It is the making of a prosthesis or implant individually for a specific patient's anatomy. From scans (CT/MRI), a precise 3D model of the bone is built, and the implant is printed to match this very person rather than chosen from standard sizes.
How is a patient-specific implant better than a standard one?
Standard implants come in a limited set of sizes, and the surgeon has to pick the “closest.” An implant printed for the patient matches the anatomy more precisely — which matters especially in complex cases, bone defects and repeat surgery.
When is 3D printing used?
For complex anatomy, large bone defects (including after tumor removal), repeat (revision) joint replacement and reconstructive surgery where a standard implant doesn't fit. The surgeon makes the decision.
How is a patient-specific implant created?
From your scans in DICOM format a 3D model is built, the implant is designed to the anatomy, agreed with the surgeon and printed from medical-grade materials. Placement is then often carried out with robotic navigation for maximum precision.
How do I start?
Send your scans (CT/MRI) in DICOM format and documents to FFCH's official representative Ekaterina Kolokolova on Telegram @kolokolova_eo. Within 48 hours you'll receive an assessment and a personal protocol with an estimate.
About the author
Ekaterina Kolokolova
Official representative of Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital (FFCH). She supports patients at every stage — from reviewing documents to returning home.

This material is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Whether a patient-specific implant is advisable is determined by the surgeon after reviewing the scans.

Published: June 17, 2026Updated: June 17, 2026
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Method
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Section
Orthopedics in China — robots and 3D printing