When Shirley Anderson lost his lower jaw to tongue cancer, he didn't have much available for replacements, until Dr. Travis Bellicchi worked to create a 3D prosthetic that he could wear.
As traditional prosthetics are too heavy to wear on the face for long periods of time, the use of the 3D printing allows survivors like Anderson to return to a sense of normalcy in their lives.
The use of 3D prosthetics is reportedly being used more and more, with a man who lost his ear in an accident able to get a replacement in this way as well. As the technique allows for a more natural accuracy and a lightweight design, the 3D prosthetics allow for those in need to feel more comfortable.
3D-Printed Jaw Prosthetics
This Doctor Created a Lightweight 3D Prosthetic for a Cancer Survivor
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Prosthetics - The use of 3D printing technology to create lightweight and accurate prosthetics offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of healthcare.
2. Personalized Prosthetics - The ability to customize 3D-printed prosthetics according to individual needs and preferences presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the prosthetics industry.
3. Improved Comfort and Functionality - The development of lightweight and comfortable 3D-printed prosthetics allows for a greater sense of normalcy and improved quality of life for prosthetic users, representing disruptive innovation in the field.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The use of 3D-printed prosthetics revolutionizes the healthcare industry by providing more accessible and personalized solutions for patients in need of prosthetic replacements.
2. Prosthetics Manufacturing - The adoption of 3D printing technology in the prosthetics manufacturing industry opens up new possibilities for creating lightweight, customizable, and cost-effective prosthetic solutions.
3. Biomedical Engineering - The integration of 3D printing technology in biomedical engineering offers disruptive innovation opportunities to develop advanced prosthetic designs that enhance comfort, functionality, and overall user experience.