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Additive Manufacturing in Orthopedics: A Review
Yingchao Zhao1, Zhen Wang1, Jingzhou Zhao2
1Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, No.172 Yinpenling Street, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, China.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, offers complex designs for orthopedic applications. This review examines 3D printing strategies for surgical guides, implants, and bone tissue engineering, including postprocessing methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, represents a significant advancement in manufacturing, enabling the creation of complex geometries.
- AM offers flexibility in material selection and short production cycles, distinguishing it from traditional machining.
- The increasing development of innovative materials is driving the adoption of AM in bone research and orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on additive manufacturing in orthopedics.
- To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various 3D printing techniques for orthopedic applications.
- To summarize the utilization of different 3D printing strategies in surgical guides, implants, predictive models, and bone tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research results in additive manufacturing for orthopedics.
- Analysis of diverse three-dimensional printing strategies, including their strengths and weaknesses.
- Compilation of information on the application of 3D printing in surgical guides, implants, predictive models, and bone tissue engineering.
- Description of various postprocessing methods for orthopedic additive manufacturing.
Main Results:
- Additive manufacturing enables the production of intricate structures not achievable with conventional methods.
- Diverse 3D printing strategies show varying suitability for specific orthopedic applications.
- AM is being applied to create patient-specific surgical guides, customized implants, and anatomical models for surgical planning.
- Significant progress is being made in using AM for bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Additive manufacturing is a transformative technology for orthopedics, offering unique advantages for complex designs and customization.
- The selection of appropriate 3D printing strategies and materials is crucial for successful orthopedic applications.
- Further research into postprocessing techniques can enhance the performance and biocompatibility of 3D printed orthopedic devices.
- AM holds substantial promise for advancing surgical interventions and regenerative medicine in orthopedics.
