South African Surgeon Performs World’s First Middle-Ear Transplant Using 3D-Printed Bones
Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, made medical history on March 13, 2019, by leading the world’s first successful middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed bones.
The patient was a 35-year-old man whose middle-ear ossicles—the tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations—had been s... see more
South African Surgeon Performs World’s First Middle-Ear Transplant Using 3D-Printed Bones
Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, made medical history on March 13, 2019, by leading the world’s first successful middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed bones.
The patient was a 35-year-old man whose middle-ear ossicles—the tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations—had been severely damaged in a car accident. Traditional treatments for such conductive hearing loss often involve partial reconstruction or hearing aids, with limited success in restoring natural hearing.
Tshifularo’s team used advanced 3D printing to create custom titanium replacements for the malleus, incus, and stapes, perfectly matching the patient’s anatomy. The implants were surgically placed in a procedure that replaced the entire middle-ear ossicular chain. Within weeks, the patient regained significant hearing in the affected ear, with audiometric tests showing marked improvement.
This innovative approach greatly reduces surgical risks by ensuring precise fit and biocompatibility, while also improving long-term outcomes. The procedure demonstrates the immense potential of 3D printing in personalized medicine, offering new hope for millions affected by ear disorders, trauma, or congenital conditions that impair hearing.
Professor Tshifularo continues to refine the technique, with ongoing efforts to make it more widely accessible and applicable to a broader range of patients.
Reference
University of Pretoria / Steve Biko Academic Hospital (2019) World-first middle-ear transplant performed using 3D-printed bones. up.ac.za
BBC News (2019) South African surgeons perform world’s first middle-ear transplant
The Guardian (2019) Surgeons perform world’s first middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed bones
Nature (2019) 3D-printed middle-ear implants restore hearing in landmark surgery
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:rotating_light: BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.
No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham
1 person reacted to this. Views 2
The Police have arrested a Nigerian national, Charles Adenkule, at the Kpotame barrier on the Accra–Sogakope highway for possession of suspected cocaine valued at GHS1,032,650.
The illicit substance was found in a black Liberty Jeep. Police say the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe officers with an amount of US$20,000 to evade arrest.
Cc: Republic Media
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After finalizing their divorce, basketballer Iman Shumpert will give his wife, Teyana Taylor, over $25 million.
- $10-million in cash
- 4 houses worth $10-million
- Luxury cars: A Maybach worth $300k, A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter worth $80k, and A Tour Bus worth $700k
- She will also retain full ownership to her own companies even after taking 75% of her husbands wealth
- Iman Shumpert will be paying $8,000 in child support every month and paying for his ki... see more
After finalizing their divorce, basketballer Iman Shumpert will give his wife, Teyana Taylor, over $25 million.
- $10-million in cash
- 4 houses worth $10-million
- Luxury cars: A Maybach worth $300k, A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter worth $80k, and A Tour Bus worth $700k
- She will also retain full ownership to her own companies even after taking 75% of her husbands wealth
- Iman Shumpert will be paying $8,000 in child support every month and paying for his kids tuition and hospital bills.
Iman Shumpert registered his entire fortune in a joint account with his wife when they were married and now he's left with just about $2-million and no house to stay
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:round_pushpin:Ways to Feel Immediately Closer to Your Partner:
•Ask each other personal questions
•Learn each other’s love languages
•Show interest in the things they like
•Turn on some makeout music and go at it
•Work out together
•Make playlists for each other
•Reveal one new thing you each want to try in bed
•Day trip to your heart (and wallet’s) content
... see more
:round_pushpin:Ways to Feel Immediately Closer to Your Partner:
•Ask each other personal questions
•Learn each other’s love languages
•Show interest in the things they like
•Turn on some makeout music and go at it
•Work out together
•Make playlists for each other
•Reveal one new thing you each want to try in bed
•Day trip to your heart (and wallet’s) content
•Text less, call more
•Say a few creatively nice things to them every day
•Do more eye-gazing in bed
•Bring in the mutual friends
•Treat them like a great friend instead of your one best friend
Brainy Quote ( t.me :registered:
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