Case Study: Leuven University Hospital restores shoulder motion and avoids further revisions with Materialise's 3D‑printed Glenius implant

Complex Post-TSA Defect Calls For 3D Printing Solution

Leuven University Hospital faced a complex revision case after a total shoulder arthroplasty: a 64‑year‑old patient presented a type 2 central glenoid defect with abnormal ossification that required a highly personalized solution. Prof. Dr. Stefaan Nijs partnered with Materialise to use the 3D‑printed, patient‑specific Glenius glenoid implant along with custom polyamide guides and bone models (SLS) and a metal implant produced by SLM to plan and execute the repair.

Materialise delivered the Glenius implant and bespoke surgical guides and models, enabling a two‑stage revision (implant removal and spacer, followed by Glenius implantation). The guides sped intraoperative positioning and fixation—the glenoid baseplate was placed in about 20 minutes, 10 minutes faster than expected—and the total implant procedure ran about two hours. At 1.5 years post‑op the end screws remained in place, and nearly two years after surgery the patient has improved range of motion, regained independence, and has avoided further revisions, demonstrating the practical impact of Materialise’s personalized 3D‑printed solution.

Leuven University Hospital

Stefaan Nijs

Chairman of Trauma Surgery