CBS News reports that surgeons in Beijing, China, have successfully implanted a 3D printed vertebra into a young boy with bone cancer. This is the first time in history that such a procedure has ever been done, and scientists say it is a huge step forward for medicine and doctors all over the world.

Dr. Liu Zhongjun, the scientist behind the project, stated, "This is the first use of a 3D printed vertebra as an implant for orthopedic spine surgery in the world," conveying the uniqueness of the event. Dr. Zhongjun is the director of the orthopedics department at Peking University.

According to Business Insider, the patient, 12-year-old boy Minghao, had an injury in his neck after heading a ball while player soccer. Doctors examined his spine only to find that Minghao had Ewing's sarcoma, which is a rare bone cancer. A malignant tumor was growing in his second vertebra, and the bone had to be removed and replaced.

According to CBS News, normally a standardized, hollow titanium tube would replace a bone of this sort. However, in this situation the usage of 3D printed vertebra was a much better option. Dr. Zhongjun explained, "Using existing technology, the patient's head needs to be framed with pins after surgery...but with 3D printing technology, we can simulate the shape of the vertebra, which is much stronger and more convenient than traditional methods."

To further clarify, a titanium tube is not as good of an option in this case because there is a slight risk that over time the tube could slip out of place of jam into the bones, especially as the body undergoes changes such as puberty. 3D printed bones can be designed to fit precisely into the spines of their hosts. Furthermore, the 3D printed replacement bone is filled with tiny pores that will allow real bone to fuse with it over time, making it an even more natural part of the spine.

One month after surgery, Minghao is reportedly doing well and is expected to make a strong recovery.