3D Printers Used as Medical Technology? The Amazing Innovations 3D Printers can Offer Medicine

 3D Printing  

Some of the most exciting and promising uses for 3D printing are in medicine. Here are a few examples of how the technology is impacting the medical field.

First invented in the 1980s, the technology of 3D printers has since then exploded. These printers can now print in plastics, metals, ceramics and even food. Everything from toys, to guns, to entire houses can be produced by 3D printers these days. Many of us are still getting used to the true potential of 3D printers, and can’t wait for the next 3D printing idea to come about. Surprisingly, some of the most exciting and promising uses for this technology are in medicine. Read on to learn about the amazing innovations 3D printers can offer the medical world.

Replacement Parts

The most common medical use of 3D printing right now is creating replacement parts. A major advantage of these printed parts is that they are completely customized to each patient. Replacement knees, skull pieces, and other body parts have been printed and implanted in quite a few individuals. A use for 3D printing that is just getting underway is quickly and cheaply printing customized replacement teeth-bridges, crowns, and implants.

Living Replacement Parts

Currently, the spare parts being printed are made out of metals, plastics and ceramics, but scientists are working on 3D printers that can print out replacement skin, organs and other parts made out of actual living cells and tissues. Perhaps someday soon replacement organs will be printed whenever they are needed, and knee replacements will be made out of actual living bone and cartilage.

Braces

Most people have heard of Invisilign, the invisible braces. What most people don't realize is that the way Invisilign works is that each patient has their teeth scanned into a computer program that then develops and prints a customized retainer to help move the teeth towards a straighter position. Most patients use a series of five to 50 different custom-printed braces as they slowly straighten their teeth.

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Similar technology is being developed to help slowly straighten the spine in children with scoliosis. Current braces for scoliosis are bulky and uncomfortable. Customized 3D printed braces look, and feel, a lot like a lightweight, albeit stiff, tank top. Other printed braces are being used to help facial deformities grow into typical shapes.

Prosthetic Parts

Experimental exoskeletons and prosthetic legs are being printed to allow double amputees to walk. A special exoskeleton is printed out to fit each person and then attached to motorized leg prosthetics that are controlled by the hands. Pilot projects have allowed patients to walk. Previous attempts at creating these prosthetics that used off-the-shelf parts failed because the non-customized parts caused severe chaffing, abrasions and infections to the user. Not so with the fully customized 3D printed exoskeletons.

3D printing is just beginning to revolutionize medicine. The future possibilities and potential for this technology are limitless. Keep a look out for the amazing innovations that are sure to come from this awe-inspiring technology as it saves and improves lives. The information for this article was provided by the professionals at the Adventist University of Health Sciences who offer a radiology degree online for those interested in specializing in medical imaging.


SOURCE  Top Image - en.wikipedia.org via Geierunited

By Dixie Somers

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Author Bio - Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance and medicine. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.