Abstract

The well established 3D printing technology has today invaded into the field of biomedical science in a big way yielding fruitful results. The benefits from 3D printing have been noted in all specialities of modern medicine and its usefulness has been experienced successfully, right from developing virtual diagnostic measures, onto manufacturing biomedical appliances for treatment and recreating simulated body parts such as prosthetics and orthotics for restoring lost function. Further research is now underway to integrate this technology into stem cell science, so as to create in-vivo organs (i.e. bioprinting) to replicate lost tissues with identical appearance and function, provided the obstacles of tissue viability and immune compatibility are overcome. This exciting concept of 3D bioprinting prevails as the next frontier in medical science and is explored in this review with an example on its role in recreating temporal bones as simulated reality for Otology practice.

Keywords: 3D Printing; Bioprinting; Simulated reality; Temporal bone