The team recreated the powerful upper and lower jaw of the 45kg (100lbs) turtle using medical scans of the remaining jaw and turtle skeletons.Photo: Reuters

Reaching another milestone in the field of animal prostheses, a medical 3D printing company in Turkey has supplied an injured turtle with a prosthetic jaw. The turtle suffered a broken jaw and beak when it was struck by a boat propeller.

Reaching another milestone in the field of animal prostheses, a medical 3D printing company in Turkey has supplied an injured turtle with a prosthetic jaw. The turtle suffered a broken jaw and beak when it was struck by a boat propeller.

However, soon, its jaw and beak were replaced by a medical-grade titanium prosthesis made by BTech, a 3D printing company. PAU volunteers had asked BTech if the company could help the injured creature.

Personnel at BTech first conducted a CT scan on the turtle. Next, they converted the CT scan images into a 3D model. Surgeons and veterinarians then used the model to create a replica of the turtle's upper and lower jaws and beak.

When the medical team approved the design, the replica was 3D printed in medical-grade titanium before being airmailed to the surgeons. The 3D printed jaw was successfully transplanted onto the injured turtle, as a large group of physicians watched.

The turtle is currently being looked after by a team of physicians. Once the turtle is completely healed, it will be returned to the ocean.