Medical teams at Regional Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Tyumen successfully saved a man struck by a train and restored his skull bones using custom 3D modeling and printing technologies, according to the regional Ministry of Health press service. The procedure showcased how modern manufacturing aids can match the precision of complex cranial repairs and improve healing outcomes for severe head injuries.
The patient, a 37-year-old man, sustained serious injuries when the incident occurred in the summer of 2023. After an extended period of treatment, his condition stabilized and he was discharged for outpatient care. Three months later, he required a more intricate procedure to address lasting skull defects. The surgical team prepared for this by employing patient-specific planning and implants produced with 3D printing technology to support a durable and anatomically accurate reconstruction of the skull.
Neurosurgeons carried out plastic surgical steps to restore the cranial structure. A key challenge in this case was the large size of the defect, which involved half of the skull’s circumference around its equator. The team, guided by detailed imaging, used individually modeled implants to match the exact contours and thickness required for effective protection of the brain and restoration of normal facial symmetry. The high level of customization made it possible to achieve a positive functional and aesthetic result, highlighting how personalized 3D printing can complement traditional cranial reconstruction methods.
Implants were fabricated to precise specifications derived from the patient’s anatomy and imaging data. By aligning the implants with the unique bone geometry, surgeons were able to correct the skull defect and support a stable recovery trajectory. This approach minimized the need for multiple revisions and helped speed the patient’s return to daily activities while preserving protective cranial integrity.
In related news, physicians in the Ural region previously saved a bleeding pensioner stranded in a remote taiga, underscoring the ongoing commitment of regional healthcare facilities to emergency responses and advanced surgical interventions. The Tyumen case adds to a growing record of successful outcomes where modern technology, skilled surgery, and careful coordination converge to improve patient prognosis after severe cranial trauma. The medical team emphasizes that ongoing follow-up and rehabilitation are essential to maximizing long-term results and ensuring full functionality after such extensive procedures.