A 3D printer played a pivotal role in world-first surgery on a moon bear at Animals Asia's Chengdu Bear Rescue Centre earlier this month, reviving hopes that a lame bear will walk again.

A highly-skilled team of super-vets believe moon bear Claudia will walk again after they successfully inserted a titanium plate and screws to repair a fracture in her elbow.

The groundbreaking surgery was possible after a 3D model of the fractured region – known as the humeral condyle – was used to plan the surgery.

Animals Asia Veterinarian Dr Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa said:

"Having the 3D model was a huge help for the entire vet team. The humeral condyle is surrounded by layers of thick muscle and although we can see the shape in a 2D radiograph, the angles of drilling and approach can be more accurately decided with the 3D model."

Phase one of Claudia's surgery was carried out in March, with specialist surgeon Dr Alane Cahalane and vet nurse Ka Po Fu returning to CBRC to complete the operation which has never before been performed on a bear.

Also present was pain management specialist Dr Kieren Maddern, who consulted on anaesthesia and managing Claudia's pain during and after the surgery.

The two phases of surgery have resulted in a titanium plate and screws being inserted into Claudia's elbows to repair fractures caused by a rare condition, never before reported in any bear species, which prevented the bones from fusing correctly when she was a cub.

Following surgery, Claudia has been placed in a specifically designed den and given tailored enrichment to encourage walking and movement without stressing the limbs.

Key for staff is keeping Claudia's den clean to reduce the possibility of post-op infections or complications.

Animals Asia Veterinarian, Dr Emily Drayton, said:

"Claudia's recovery will be slow and we will need to be careful about the amount of activity she has, especially in the first month. Only time will tell if this was a successful surgery, but to have such a team of people rooting for her and doing the best for her, she has the best chance any bear can have."

Animals Asia founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE, said:

"Claudia's medical condition has never even been documented in a bear before – let alone repaired. She's an incredibly lucky bear to have had such a talented and experienced team behind her. At all times Claudia's welfare was paramount and now we look forward to seeing her regain her strength and enjoy her newfound mobility."

Animals Asia would like to thank Kate Baumgartner at LotusBlu Photography for kindly donating pictures of Claudia's surgery to this article.

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