Talal Sawaf, 11, was born with bowleg syndrome and needed corrective surgery to straighten his legs. Photo: Farah Sawaf
A 3D printed surgical jig was required for the operation. But due to software licensing issues, the 3D printing would typically cost around Dh127,000 ($37,330). Photo: Farah Sawaf
However, Dr Gavin Spence, pictured examining Talal after his operation at the Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery in Dubai, developed his own technique. Pawan Singh / The National
The 3D printed surgical jig developed by Dr Spence for just Dh500 in Dubai allowed a precise incision to cut through Talal’s bone before it was realigned and metal plates fitted. Photo: Farah Sawaf
The plastic jig shows surgeons exactly where they need to break the patient’s leg so that it has the best chance of recovery and normal growth. Pawan Singh / The National
Talal has had two operations, with doctors planning three more corrective procedures. Photo: Farah Sawaf
Despite numerous advantages claimed by medics, the technique has not yet been widely explored in paediatric orthopaedics. Photo: Farah Sawaf
