An overview of 3D printed metal implants in orthopedic applications: Present and future perspectives
Yuanhao Wu,
Jieying Liu,
Lin Kang,
Jingjing Tian,
Xueyi Zhang,
Jin Hu,
Yue Huang,
Fuze Liu,
Hai Wang,
Zhihong Wu
Affiliations
Yuanhao Wu
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Jieying Liu
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Lin Kang
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Jingjing Tian
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Xueyi Zhang
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Jin Hu
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Yue Huang
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Fuze Liu
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
Hai Wang
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China; Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
Zhihong Wu
Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Bone and Joint Disease, Beijing, China; Corresponding author. Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
With the ability to produce components with complex and precise structures, additive manufacturing or 3D printing techniques are now widely applied in both industry and consumer markets. The emergence of tissue engineering has facilitated the application of 3D printing in the field of biomedical implants. 3D printed implants with proper structural design can not only eliminate the stress shielding effect but also improve in vivo biocompatibility and functionality. By combining medical images derived from technologies such as X-ray scanning, CT, MRI, or ultrasonic scanning, 3D printing can be used to create patient-specific implants with almost the same anatomical structures as the injured tissues. Numerous clinical trials have already been conducted with customized implants. However, the limited availability of raw materials for printing and a lack of guidance from related regulations or laws may impede the development of 3D printing in medical implants. This review provides information on the current state of 3D printing techniques in orthopedic implant applications. The current challenges and future perspectives are also included.
