Doctors fit Dubai schoolgirl with 3D printed jaw

Surgeons take advantage of 3D technology for jaw replacement surgery

Surgeons in Dubai have fitted a 3D printed jaw to a 17-year-old schoolgirl. Courtesy: Dubai Health Authority.

Surgeons in Dubai turned to 3D technology to replace the jaw of a teenage girl found to have an aggressive tumour.

The 17-year-old high school pupil was admitted to Rashid Hospital after it was found the fast-growing tumour was eating away at the right side of her jaw and would have to be removed.

Specialist facial surgeons were called in to carry out the surgery and were able to build a replica replacement, using bio-compatible medical grade titanium.

Dubai Health Authority partnered with 3D printing healthcare firm Sinterex to perform the complex operation.

A CT scan of the patient was converted into a 3D printed physical model, which surgeons used to develop a treatment plan.

Sinterex then printed a surgical guide, which was fitted to the patient in the operating theatre to aid the surgery.

A titanium jaw implant, specifically tailored to the patient, was then printed and fitted.

Dr Khaled Ghandour, who led the medical team during the surgery, said the use of 3D printing in medical care was becoming more common.

“In this area of surgery, we are working in an area where both aesthetics and function are important,” said Dr Ghandour.

“Operating conditions are quite challenging, but 3D printing models have help us better visualise the patient’s situation, whilst 3D printed patient specific implants allow us to translate plans into reality.”

The DHA has recently used 3D printing to design and build a prosthetic leg and to remove a cancerous growth from a patient’s kidney with surgeons referencing a 3D model.

The authority is planning to further utilise 3D printing in medical care in line with the Dubai 3D printing strategy.