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Meniscus regeneration by 3D printing technologies: Current advances and future perspectives
Elena Stocco1,2, Andrea Porzionato1,2, Enrico De Rose1
1Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Journal of Tissue Engineering
|January 31, 2022
Summary
3D printing shows promise for creating artificial menisci (tissue engineering) to repair tears and prevent osteoarthritis. However, clinical application faces challenges, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration for complex tissue reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery and Biomechanics
- 3D Printing and Personalized Medicine
Background:
- Meniscal tears are common orthopedic injuries often treated conservatively to prevent osteoarthritis due to altered joint biomechanics.
- Tissue engineering offers advanced solutions, with 3D printing technology enabling the creation of complex, biomimetic architectures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of 3D printing for meniscus reconstruction.
- To explore the potential of 3D printing in personalized medicine for addressing individual joint requirements.
Main Methods:
- Literature review comparing and discussing various 3D printing materials, technologies, and scaffold types for meniscus repair.
- Analysis of augmentation strategies and cellular conditioning methods used in 3D printed meniscal devices.
- Evaluation of pre-clinical study outcomes to inform future considerations.
Main Results:
- 3D printing technology holds significant potential for fabricating anisotropic, biomimetic meniscal scaffolds that can meet specific patient needs.
- Various printing techniques, materials, and scaffold designs have been explored, alongside cellular conditioning and augmentation strategies.
Conclusions:
- The translation of 3D printed meniscal devices into clinical practice remains a significant challenge.
- Successful meniscus reconstruction necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from anatomy, engineering, biomaterials science, cell biology, and medicine.
