07/01/2025
In a medical breakthrough, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team at the University of Pretoria have successfully performed the world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed bones.
This pioneering procedure offers new hope for individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss caused by congenital defects, infections, trauma, or metabolic diseases.
The innovative surgery, initially performed in 2019 by the team, replaces the middle ear ossicles—hammer, anvil, and stirrup. And it has already transformed the lives of two patients, including one born with an underdeveloped middle ear.
Using 3D-printing technology, the bones are recreated with biocompatible titanium, ensuring a precise and safe reconstruction. The minimally invasive procedure is performed with an endoscope, significantly reducing risks such as facial nerve paralysis and scarring compared to traditional methods.
Professor Tshifularo, head of UP’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, views this achievement as a testament to the power of innovation in medicine. “3D technology is allowing us to do things we never thought we could,” he stated.
While the procedure has shown promising results, the professor emphasized the need for sponsors and funding to further advance and scale this revolutionary technique.
Image: UP
