Biocompatibility of Bespoke 3D-Printed Titanium Alloy Plates for Treating Acetabular Fractures

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Acetabular fractures present complex anatomical challenges for treatment.
• A lack of appropriately fitting plates complicates surgical repair.
• Selective laser melting (SLM) enables personalized titanium alloy plates, but their biocompatibility requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the biocompatibility of three-dimensional printing (3D-printed) titanium alloy plates manufactured via SLM.
• To compare the cytocompatibility, allergenicity, acute systemic toxicity, and histocompatibility of 3D-printed plates with conventional plates.

Main Methods:

• Manufacture titanium alloy plates using selective laser melting (SLM).
• Assess cytocompatibility via CCK-8 assay and light microscopy of L929 fibroblasts.
• Evaluate allergenicity in guinea pigs, acute systemic toxicity in mice, and histocompatibility in rabbits.

Main Results:

• In vitro studies indicated cytocompatibility of 3D-printed plates was similar to conventional plates.
• In vivo investigations demonstrated comparable histocompatibility between 3D-printed and conventional plates.
• No significant adverse effects were noted in toxicity and allergenicity tests.

Conclusions:

• Both in vitro and in vivo experiments support the favorable biocompatibility of 3D-printed titanium alloy plates.
• 3D-printed plates represent a promising alternative for acetabular fracture treatment due to their demonstrated biocompatibility.
• Personalized 3D-printed implants offer a viable solution for complex orthopedic cases.