Orthopaedic 3D Printing Lab
Started in 2018, when we received our first 3D Printer through equipment funding at SU, the aim of the lab is to produce low-cost physical representations of the medical imaging of our patients anatomy to aid the planning and preparation of complex Orthopaedic procedures.
The lab has produced models for 39 clinical cases, some being commissioned by outside surgeons in private practice across the country as well as one veterinary case.
In collaboration with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBE) the lab was the basis of a Master’s degree research project in 2020-2021 and internship positions are being offered to biomedical engineers on an ongoing basis.
Income for the lab is made possible by the creation of Service Level Agreement (SLA) contracts, through the Faculty of Engineering. Surgeons in private practice and industry partners can now pay for consultation, design and manufacturing of models into the labs own cost point.
PHD Research Projects
Current Title of Protocol:
The application of 3D printing in orthopaedic surgery: bringing additive manufacturing into clinical practice.
Research Supervisor: Prof Nando Ferreira.
Planned as PhD by publication.
Paper 1: A clinician-run 3D printing lab for orthopaedic pre-operative planning: an illustrative case series.
Principle investigator: Dr Rudolph G Venter
Co-investigator: Mr Leon Kotze (IBE)
Co-investigator: Prof Nando Ferreira
Currently undergoing peer review for publication in the South African Orthopaedic Journal (SAOJ)
Paper 2: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of orthopaedic surgeons when using 3D printed anatomical models in preparation for surgical procedures.
Principle investigator: Dr Rudolph G Venter
Co-Investigator: Mr Lodewyk Vogel (Dept of Psychology)
HREC review successful.
Currently in data collection phase.
Paper 3: The effect of pre-operative simulation with 3D printed models on the cognitive load of orthopaedic surgeons: a clinical simulation study.
Principle investigator: Dr Rudolph G Venter
Co-Investigator: Ms Julianne Blighnaut (IBE)
Co-investigator: Mr Gary Allen (Dept Engineering)
Co-investigator: Mr Adriaan Jansen v Rensburg
Submission to HREC in progress.
Paper 4: Guidelines and recommendations on starting a medical 3D Printing unit in a South African state hospital.
Principle investigator: Dr Rudolph G Venter
Co-investigator: Prof Nando Ferreira
Planned submission to South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) or South African Orthopaedic Journal (SAOJ).
Frame Biomechanics Research Projects
Find out more about our worker at Stellenbosch University’s Institute for Biomedical Engineering: