Professor Tshifularo Pioneers 3D-Printed Ear Surgery

Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon and head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, made medical history in March 2019 by performing the world’s first middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed titanium bones. This groundbreaking procedure took place at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, and aimed to help patients regain hearing after damage to the tiny bones in the middle ear, known as ossicles.

These bones, which include the malleus, incus, and stapes, are crucial for sound transmission. Tshifularo’s innovative use of 3D-printing technology allowed his team to create replacement parts for the damaged middle ear, successfully restoring the patient’s hearing.

Tshifularo has a history of medical innovation, having previously developed techniques such as a bloodless tonsillectomy and contributed to hearing-related programs to improve access to treatment.