In a breakthrough that's revolutionizing trauma surgery, a top surgeon in Des Moines has successfully used artificial intelligence to rebuild a 17-year-old girl's jaw. Mya Buie, who was shot in the face with a .40-caliber bullet just days before her birthday, underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her jaw.
For years, facial reconstruction trauma surgeons have relied on manual techniques, bending and molding titanium plates by hand to fit the injured area. However, with the advent of AI-powered technology, doctors can now create customized jawbone plates at an unprecedented speed. The 3D printed plate was created in a lab in just a few days, cutting down surgery time by half.
Dr. Simon Wright, who led Buie's team, says that this technological advancement has been a game-changer for trauma patients like her. "There is always a level of dissatisfaction with the results," he noted. "But now we can create a custom fit that aligns perfectly with the patient's teeth." This not only improves the accuracy of the surgery but also reduces complications and recovery time.
Buie, who has made an incredible recovery, credits Dr. Wright and his team for giving her a second chance at life. She is now back in school with plans to graduate early and expects to make a full recovery. Her new jawbone plate will eventually fuse to bone and be as strong as ever.
The development of AI-powered 3D printing technology has transformed the field of trauma surgery, and Dr. Wright says that it's a testament to the power of cross-pollination between different fields. "This came from the efforts of all kinds of people in different fields," he said. The speed at which this technology can be applied is unprecedented, with Buie's plate being delivered to the hospital just hours before her surgery.
Buie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that medical research and innovation can have on patients' lives. As she reflects on her journey, she says, "I just thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life."
For years, facial reconstruction trauma surgeons have relied on manual techniques, bending and molding titanium plates by hand to fit the injured area. However, with the advent of AI-powered technology, doctors can now create customized jawbone plates at an unprecedented speed. The 3D printed plate was created in a lab in just a few days, cutting down surgery time by half.
Dr. Simon Wright, who led Buie's team, says that this technological advancement has been a game-changer for trauma patients like her. "There is always a level of dissatisfaction with the results," he noted. "But now we can create a custom fit that aligns perfectly with the patient's teeth." This not only improves the accuracy of the surgery but also reduces complications and recovery time.
Buie, who has made an incredible recovery, credits Dr. Wright and his team for giving her a second chance at life. She is now back in school with plans to graduate early and expects to make a full recovery. Her new jawbone plate will eventually fuse to bone and be as strong as ever.
The development of AI-powered 3D printing technology has transformed the field of trauma surgery, and Dr. Wright says that it's a testament to the power of cross-pollination between different fields. "This came from the efforts of all kinds of people in different fields," he said. The speed at which this technology can be applied is unprecedented, with Buie's plate being delivered to the hospital just hours before her surgery.
Buie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that medical research and innovation can have on patients' lives. As she reflects on her journey, she says, "I just thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life."