The Bays delivers first-of-its-kind 3D-printed hip replacement

The Bays has delivered a highly customised 3D-printed hip replacement for a patient whose unique anatomy could not be accommodated by a standard implant, in what is believed to be the first procedure of its kind on the Mornington Peninsula.

The procedure was performed by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Chia on 2 April 2026 for local patient Pauline Kinna, whose unusually shaped femur meant a conventional implant would not provide the appropriate fit.

The customised approach required extensive planning before surgery. Dr Chia and the surgical team at The Bays worked with specialised medical technology providers to develop a bespoke solution designed specifically around Pauline’s anatomy.

Using detailed 3D CT imaging, Pauline’s hip and femur were mapped to determine the precise dimensions and angles required for her replacement. A custom 3D-printed implant was manufactured specifically for her anatomy, along with specialised 3D-printed surgical instruments to assist Dr Chia during the procedure.

“Most of the time, a conventional implant can be selected to suit a patient’s anatomy. In Pauline’s case, her femur was so unusually shaped and there simply wasn’t any conventional implant that would fit appropriately,” Dr Chia said.

“I am excited that 3D printing technology now helps us to solve difficult cases more easily.”

An exact 3D-printed replica of Pauline’s hip was created and remains with her following the procedure.

For Pauline, the surgery followed months of increasing difficulty with everyday activities including gardening, travelling by car, visiting family and going to the gym.

“I was very active and it was changing what I could and couldn’t do,” Pauline said.

“Knowing that it was being made specifically for me was reassuring.”

Now recovering from the procedure, Pauline says she is already noticing a difference.

“I’ve been in the garden and I’m feeling more energised,” she said. “For the first time I’m appreciating that I have a new hip and I feel pretty special knowing it was made just for me.”

The procedure demonstrates how advanced 3D-printing technology can provide surgeons with highly customised options for patients whose anatomy presents challenges that cannot be addressed with conventional implants.

Pauline has a longstanding connection with The Bays and praised the care she received from the hospital’s nursing and physiotherapy teams.

Pauline’s procedure demonstrates how advances in medical technology can provide surgeons with new options for patients whose individual anatomy presents challenges that cannot be addressed with standard implants.

For The Bays, the procedure represents another step in delivering innovative, personalised orthopaedic care to patients on the Mornington Peninsula.