We knew that 3D printers were destined to do some extreme good in the world, and it’s already begun.  Peking University has implanted the first 3D printed vertebrae.  The vertebrae was implanted into a 12 year old boy with a malignant tumor on his spinal cord.  Big stuff, huh?  We think this is a pretty amazing development as it’s definitely a sign for a whole world of opportunities to come.

From Forbes: 

“Because 3D printing is flexible, based on and created from a digital model, 3D printing enables orthopedic implants to be printed in any shape. This opens the door to hundreds of possibilities that weren’t available before. Now, instead of cement or screws, the implant is more in line or matches the bone around it.”

What do you think is next in the world of 3D printing?  Where do they go from here?

Read the rest of Jennifer Hicks’ article on Forbes.