The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) is establishing a facility to help other departments in the Faculty of Health Sciences to 3D-print replicas of bones and organs, such as brains, hearts and livers.

“Three-dimensional printing offers several advantages, such as visualisation and tactile opportunities, allowing us to assist colleagues in the fields of orthopaedic surgery and prosthodontics with their research,” said Professor Ericka L’Abbé, a Professor of Biological Anthropology and Director of the FARC.

“Dr Alison Ridel, a postdoctoral researcher at FARC, is collaborating with Dr Alwyn Fortuin of the Department of Prosthodontics on digital methods to reconstruct a face before and after tumour resection. She will process the patient’s 3D cone-beam computed tomography [CT] data before and after surgery to provide 3D prints of their faces, so that Dr Fortuin can visualise the surgical procedure and explain it to the patient.

“In the case of body structures, it is easier make informed decisions based on a physical object than a flat image. By adding the third dimension, we can harness valuable additional information to enhance outcomes.”

Prof Tawana Kupe getting his 3D image done at the Forensic Anthropology Research Centre.

Prof L’Abbé’s team can also use a CT scan to make a 3D mesh of soft or hard tissue, which can be 3D-printed and used by the surgeon in their pre-operative planning.

Additionally, 3D printing can be used in forensic anthropology. “We have a collection of various types of trauma on bone, like gunshot wounds,” said Marius Loots, first technical operator. “By making prints, we can save the original skeletal element from destruction by use and avoid getting entangled in ethical debates.”

The facility hopes to open up the job market for students who can do 3D-imaging processing for doctors and 3D-print data for them. “We want to bring as much transdisciplinary and collaborative approaches across faculties and disciplines to realise the benefits of advanced imaging technology within higher education institutions and the workplace,” Prof L’Abbé said. “Learning 3D-imaging processing will also increase the workplace readiness of our students.”