3D Printing for Head and Face Injuries

Craniofacial trauma is among the most debilitating forms of injury because of the important functional and aesthetic roles of the face and skull. Blast injuries and injuries from high velocity projectiles are difficult to repair with current methods, and there is a need for novel approaches to generate replacement tissues such as bone, nerve, blood vessels, fat and muscle.

Research Significance

The successful creation of replacement tissues for head and face injuries will improve the quality of life for wounded warriors.

Research Approach and Goals

During Phase II of Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), the team at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) will explore printing these complex tissue components for facial and skull reconstruction using a 3D printer.

Research Highlights and Innovation

The research conducted at WFIRM is an important step towards developing breakthroughs in reconstruction for facial and skull injuries through tissue regeneration.