As I have previously mentioned in one of my posts 3D printing can be used to create prosthetic devices, I wanted to take a moment to further go into detail on that and look at a few examples of just what sort of prosthetic devices have been already printed and used. But I want to also take a look at some of the less commonly thought of prosthetics as well, most people when thinking of prosthetics only think of arms or legs however prosthesis are devices used to replace any lost body part. In this case we will be looking at an example where a 3D jaw prosthesis was made as well as a 3D face prosthesis.
In 2011 an 83-year-old woman had her entire lower jaw replaced with a 3D printed replica.[1] This was created by layers of titanium being built up and a laser used to fuse the correct particles together in a process called laser sintering.[1] This shows that not only can you 3D print something with a different material that is more suited for structural load bearing components, such as prosthesis for bones, but that prosthesis themselves can be used to replace any structural component in the body.
In 2009 Eric Moger underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his face however due to the aggressiveness of the tumor half of his face also had to be removed, bone structure and all. Using 3D printing doctors were able to reconstruct a prosthetic face for him that allowed him to regain a human appearance, you can view a video of this here but warning it is very graphic and not for the squeamish.[2]
[1] How a 3D-Printed Jaw Let a Woman Eat Again. Gizmodo. February 26, 2012. Jamie Condliffe. http://gizmodo.com/5882549/how-a-3d+printed-jaw-let-a-woman-eat-again
[2] How 3D Printing Gave This Man His Life (and Face) Back. Gizmodo. April 1, 2013. Ashley Feinberg. http://gizmodo.com/5993147/how-3d-printing-gave-this-man-his-life-and-face-back
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