3D printing Pioneering city unit helps rebuild injured cyclist’s face

A CYCLIST injured by a drunk driver is the first to benefit from a unique NHS body parts printing centre - which built him a printed 3D face.

- Lauren BEAVIS

Dave Richards, 75, was “lucky to survive” the crash which damaged his back and pelvis and saw him break multiple ribs on one side of his body.

He also received full thickness burns to the side of his face including his eye, nose and part of his neck.

During his recovery, he was referred to Reconstructive Prosthetics, which has just opened the Bristol 3D Medical Centre.

It is the first of its kind in the UK to have 3D scanning, design and printing of this kind in a single NHS location.

The centre, based in Frenchay, provides scientific and technical support to trauma patients through state-of-the-art digital technology and specialist reconstructive expertise.

Dave was able to use the services at the centre after the accident.

As part of his treatment, Dave received a 3D prothesis that fits the space on his face and mimics his hair colour, eye colour and skin.

He said: “The surgeons tried to save my eye but they were worried any infection could spread from my eye down the optic nerve to the brain so the eye was removed.

“The decision was then made to go for free flap, taking tissue with blood arteries and veins and plumbing it into my neck, the flap completely covering the side of my face.

“The surgery was a complete success though I have had to have two follow up surgeries to release tightened scar tissue.

“I was an outpatient before we even started talking about doing anything related to this, but I was interested.