Osteomyelitis
The woman had lost her entire lower jaw due to this bone infection known as osteomyelitis, caused by bacteria or fungi. There are two main types of osteomyelitis: acute, where the bone infection develops within two weeks of an initial infection, injury or underlying disease, and chronic, where the bone infection has produced irreversible changes in the bone structure. Acute osteomyelitis can usually be treated by antibiotics.
- Contiguous osteomyelitis (acute) is caused by infections spreading directly into the bone as a result of an injury, such as a fractured bone.
- Haematogenous osteomyelitis (acute) is where infection spreads into the bone through the bloodstream.
Chronic osteomyelitis can start as acute osteomyelitis if not treated properly, causing the bacteria/fungi to produce permanent, destructive changes to the bone. It may also develop as a complication of pre-existing infections such as TB or syphilis.
How was the replacement jaw made?
Researchers at 'Biomed', the biomedical research department of the University of Hasselt, Belgium, worked with a 3D printing firm called Layerwise, who specialise in ultrastrong titanium. An MRI scan was taken of the patient's ailing jawbone to get the correct shape, which was then fed into a laser sintering 3D printer which fused tiny titanium particles layer by layer until the shape of her jawbone was recreated. The replacement jaw was then coated with biocompatible ceramic layer, and had dimples and cavities to promote muscle attachment, and sleeves to allow mandibular nerves to pass through.
The four hour surgery was successful, and allowed the woman to speak, chew and breathe normally again.
