Dubai doctors reconstruct cancer patient's facial bones using 3D-printing

Doctors in Dubai have successfully performed surgeries on a young Emirati patient to reconstruct his facial deformities.

The 20-year-old patient suffered from multiple benign tumours (keratocysts) that destroyed his facial bones, causing severe deformity and disability to speak, breathe, and eat naturally.

Importantly, it was the first of its kind case in the world where the doctors used 3D printing to design titanium implants to reconstruct the facial bones.

The doctors’ team at Emirates Hospital was led by Professor Dr Jehad Al Sukhun, an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Dr Sukhun diagnosed the tumour through a series of investigations, including a CT scan, MRI and histopathology biopsies. A series of surgeries followed this to remove the tumour and reconstruct the facial bones.

The success of 3D printing in facial reconstruction opens the door for the introduction of techniques to save cases of bone deformities resulting from tumours. Dubai has been leading the world in new-age technologies, including the world’s first 3D printed office.

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