The University of Hasselt has come out with a world première: The Functional Morphology research group of the UHasselt BIOMED research institute has created the method behind the very first customised 3D-printed lower jaw. The implant procedure was carried out a few months ago on an 83-year old patient with a serious jaw infection. This procedure rescued important vital functions (breathing, speech, chewing, sensation) as well as the aesthetic aspect that would otherwise have been lost. BIOMED worked on this project with the Xios College, the Catholic University of Leuven, the Oral- and Maxillofacial Surgeons of the Orbis Medical Centre Sittard-Geleen (the Netherlands), SIRRIS Collective Centre of the Belgian Technology Industry, Xilloc Medical BV (Maastricht, the Netherlands 3D design) and LayerWise NV (Leuven ? Production). This is the first time that a complete lower jaw has been replaced in a patient. The 3D printing technique using a powdered metal is ideally suited for producing this type of patient-specific implant. The fact that the technique can now be used for a complete lower jaw implant is unique. The introduction of printed implants can be compared to man’s first venture on the moon: a cautious, but firm step, says Professor Jules Poukens of BIOMED.
Thanks to The University of Hasselt and Author. See here for more details:
http://www.uhasselt.be/UH/Tijdschriften/ToonPersmededeling.html?i=482
