Revolutionary Surgery: 3D Implants Reverse Deafness

SA Surgeon Pioneers 3D Implant Tech to Restore Hearing

As a young boy, Tshifularo knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and he went on to study at...

Meet Prof. Mashudu Tshifularo, SA's pioneering doctor who cured deafness with 3D-printed implants.
 

Professor Mashudu Tshifularo is a trailblazing South African doctor who has made history with his groundbreaking medical advancements. Born on June 18, 1964, in the rural village of Mbahelar near Thohoyandou in Venda, South Africa, Tshifularo's journey to becoming a renowned medical specialist is truly inspiring.

At Steve Biko University Hospital in Pretoria, Tshifularo and his team performed groundbreaking reconstructive surgery, utilizing customized “Tshifularo implants” to replace damaged ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).

The revolutionary procedure benefited a 40-year-old patient born with a middle ear condition. Despite previous unsuccessful surgeries, the cost-effective 3D implants offered new hope.

As a young boy, Tshifularo knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and he went on to study at the University of Natal in South Africa. After completing his studies, he began his career as a medical doctor at Tshilidzini Hospital in 1990. Today, Tshifularo is a leading otolaryngologist and professor at the University of Pretoria, specializing in ear, nose, and throat surgery.

Notable Achievements:

Pioneering 3D-Printed Implants: Tshifularo led the first team to successfully use 3D-printed bones for reconstructive middle ear implants, curing deafness in patients.

Author and Lay Pastor: He has authored several books and serves as a lay pastor and founder of the Christ Revealed Fellowship Church near Pretoria.

Academic Excellence: Tshifularo became the youngest and only black professor of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) in South Africa in 2000.

Tshifularo's remarkable achievements are a testament to his dedication to medicine and his community. His work continues to inspire and transform lives, making him a true icon in the medical field.