Step by step: The technology used by doctors to put a smile back on a little boy’s face...

STEP 1

CONNOR has ‘10 or 11’ metal pins and rods inserted into his lower leg and foot bones at the National orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, in an operation performed by Dr Connor Green. The pins, which protruded from Connor’s flesh, were held in place by a frame he calls ‘Tony Stark’ after the Marvel superhero.

STEP 2:

CONNOR has to wear a frame at all times for six months, which is adjusted incrementally – by Connor’s parents and, at a weekly checkup, by a nurse using computer readings – to lengthen Connor’s lower leg and make space for the artificial bone. The frame has to be thoroughly cleaned and Connor’s dressings changed daily, to lower the risk of infection.

STEP 3

A CT scan left, which combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles – is taken of Connor’s strong, right foot. The images of the bone he needs are mirrored to suit his left foot, and a 3D digital model of the bone is mocked up on a computer.

STEP 4

THE digital model of the bone is fed into a 3D printer, which precisely layers a synthetic material to create any threedimensional object – in this case the crucial ‘bone’ – from a digital blueprint.

STEP 5

FINALLY, Dr Green implants the artificial bone in Connor’s left foot. Following the surgery, Connor wears a hard cast for a few weeks, followed by a special boot. The brave eight-year-old is able to begin putting pressure on his foot, gradually building up its strength and mobility.