3D printed forearm, depicting a sarcoma (bone cancer) in yellow, with surgical cutting guide (red disc) made by 3D Lifeprints, 2021.

This lifesize 3D printed forearm is an exact replica of a forearm printed to plan the removal of a sarcoma (bone cancer) from the distal radius of patient James Counsell. The 3D print shows the cancerous tissue in yellow. It was produced using 3D printing techniques by 3D Lifeprints, a company specialising in medical 3D printing, following detailed body imaging scans. It was originally clinically commissioned by Tom Cosker, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, to plan the surgery in 2019. The red cutting guide (red 3d printed disc) was used by the surgeon to guide with precision how far to carry out surgery, to remove cancerous tissue whilst minimising impact to healthy tissue. Following surgery James made a good recovery. This arm was commissioned by the Science Museum Group from 3D Lifeprints for display within the temporary exhibition Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation, Hope, held at the Science Museum Group 2021-2023.