Tokyo Medical University Hospital has integrated 3D printed patient-specific surgical guides into its orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery departments. The hospital performs approximately 200 surgeries annually using custom-printed guides, improving surgical precision and reducing operation times.

The guides are designed from patient CT or MRI scans and printed in biocompatible polymers using stereolithography technology. Surgeons use the guides to accurately position cutting planes, drill holes, and place implants during procedures such as joint replacements, spinal fusions, and facial reconstructions.

“Conventional surgery relies heavily on the surgeon’s experience and visual judgment,” said Dr. Yamamoto Kenji, head of orthopedic surgery. “3D printed guides provide a pre-planned surgical path based on the patient’s unique anatomy. This is especially valuable for complex cases or less experienced surgeons.”

The hospital partnered with Japanese medical device company J-MED Solutions to establish an in-house 3D printing lab. The facility includes five polymer printers and employs three biomedical engineers who work directly with surgeons to design and produce guides.

Patient outcomes have been encouraging. The hospital reports a 15% reduction in average surgery duration and a 30% decrease in post-operative complications for procedures using printed guides. The technology has been particularly beneficial for pediatric cases, where anatomy can be highly variable.

Japan’s aging population is driving demand for orthopedic procedures, and 3D printing is helping hospitals manage increasing caseloads more efficiently. The technology also enables personalization that wasn’t economically feasible with traditional manufacturing methods.

Tokyo Medical University is now exploring bioprinting applications and is collaborating with universities on research into printed tissue scaffolds and organ models for surgical planning and medical education.