Dr. Jonathan Forbes, University of Cincinnati develop 3D-printed cranial implants for neurosurgery

Surface Technology

Jonathan Forbes, MD, is exploring 3D-printed cranial implants for neurosurgical procedures at the University of Cincinnati, reports WCPO.

Dr. Forbes, a former United States Air Force neurosurgeon, decided to research 3D-printing after he operated on an Afghan boy implanted with titanium mesh following a land mine explosion.

The titanium mesh, which isn't as effective as a patient-specific implant, eroded through the boy's scalp.

Dr. Forbes removed the mesh and reconstructed the boy's skull to prevent infection or brain damage.

As a professor of neurosurgery at UC, he's now developing 3D-printed custom molds for skull implants, using patients' CT scans to calculate measurements.

The 3D-printed implants offer a more cost-effective alternative, and the UC team promises to make its technology free once completed.

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