3D-printed spine disc ‘has given me my whole world back’

Watch how a 3D-printed spine disc changed Amand Groven’s life.

IMCRC congratulates Professor Milan Brandt from RMIT University for being named a ‘Centenary Hero’ in recognition of his groundbreaking work in developing Australia’s first 3D printed spinal implant.

Peak industry body Engineers Australia has named Professor Milan Brandt, technical director of RMIT University’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct, a Centenary Hero for the impact of his work.

The accolade, announced this year to celebrate 100 years of Engineers Australia, is reserved for engineers who have ’pushed boundaries, defied odds, and come up with innovations that no-one could have imagined 100 years ago’.

Find out how Professor Brandt and his team helped Amanda Groven find a new lease on life with the help of a 3D printed spinal implant.

Just in time implants

This project’s success has since taken Milan and his team in a new direction, designing next generation implants for bone cancer patients. In collaboration with Stryker, University of Technology Sydney, Innovative Manufacturing CRC and St Vincent’s Hospital, his team is 3D-printing custom bone replacements where bone cancer tumours have been removed, allowing for as much as possible of the limb to be saved.