Transplant jaw made by 3D printer claimed as first

A 3D printer-created lower jaw has been fitted to an 83-year-old woman's face in what doctors say is the first operation of its kind.

The implant was made out of titanium powder - heated and fused together by a laser, one layer at a time.

Technicians say the operation's success paves the way for the use of more 3D-printed patient-specific parts.

"The new treatment is a world premiere because it concerns the first patient-specific implant in replacement of the entire lower jaw." - Dr Jules Poukens from Hasselt University