Is 3D printing really enabling this? If they can make the measurements, I have a hard time believing that an experienced machinist couldn't fabricate the parts necessary. This seems more like a victory of measurement technologies that allow the requirements for a replacement skull to be precisely mapped, than a triumph of 3d printing. (Though I do admit that 3d printing would probably be a lot cheaper than machining.)
I'm curious to know how they then attach that skull to the rest of her body. Is there a skin transplant that somehow lives on top of plastic? Do they just screw it into other bones to hold it into place? But what about the juncture, and how can you ensure nothing gets in at that juncture?
Related story about construction worker in China having half his skull replaced with 3D printed titanium. <a href="http://shanghaiist.com/2014/09/16/man_recovers_after_3d-printed_skull.php" rel="nofollow">http://shanghaiist.com/2014/09/16/man_recovers_after_3d-prin...</a>
> <i>"The operation was performed by a team of neurosurgeons at the University Medical Centre Utrecht and the university claims this is this first instance of a successful 3D printed cranium that has not been rejected by the patient."</i><p>Oh man... having a skull implant rejected is horrifying. Having an arm or something rejected is one thing (you probably just go back to how you were going to be otherwise, more or less), but are there any backup plans if your body rejects a skull implant?
It seems mean to give her a transparent skull, if that's the final product! I mean, it's pretty cool but not if you want to feel "normal" :)