3D PRINTING HELPS CONSTRUCT UPPER JAW PROSTHETIC FOR CANCER SURVIVOR

3D Printing Continues to Provide Innovative Solutions to the Healthcare Sector

3D printing is beginning to have a big impact on the medical industry. Recently we have covered some success stories on how 3D printed prosthetics are changing people’s lives and how the search for bioprinted organs, one of medicine’s holy grails, continues at rapid pace. A similar success story in India once again highlights the benefits of applying 3D printing technologies to medical problems.

When a 41 year old male (not named for reasons of patient privacy) was diagnosed with cancer of the palate, surgeons opted to remove his upper jaw, which resulted in sections of his mouth and nose being exposed. The patient experienced further complications when he underwent radiotherapy and was left with a condition that limited his ability to open his mouth more than 0.8 inches (20 mm). Dentists were reluctant to treat him as traditional practices of taking molds for prosthetics were negated by his inability to open his mouth.

Fortunately, Osteo3D a company based in Bangalore which has the backing of df3d design factory (that specializes in providing 3D printing solutions for healthcare) stepped in to help. Osteo3D used a CT scan to produce a 3D reconstruction of the patient’s face, from which they printed a replica of his mouth, including his lower and upper jaw and his teeth. A wax model was produced from this 3D printed replica and adjusted to ensure it was a good fit. Once hardened and fitted with replacement teeth, the new prosthetic was given to the patient. The patient’s quality of life has been greatly enhanced and speaking, chewing and swallowing have become easier.