Life-Changing Reconstructive Surgeries Made Possible by Metal 3D Printing -- The Princess Moshoana Story
Princess Moshoana, a South African woman whose life was altered by a violent crime, and Dr. Gerrie Booysen, Director of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) at the Central University of Technology, discuss the use of metal 3D printing for reconstructive surgery. Dr. Booysen explains how CRPM utilized EOS beta forming systems to design and print a patient-specific titanium jaw implant for Princess after traditional implants were unaffordable. The episode details the complex process chain from CT scanning and digital modeling to surgical implantation and recovery, highlighting how additive manufacturing restored Princess's ability to socialize and pursue her dreams. It also touches on CRPM's broader impact in South Africa, where they produce over 15,000 3D-printed implants, including spinal cages and cranial implants, to reduce reliance on imported medical devices.