Application and development of 3D printing technology in bone and joint surgery

Abstract

Personalized precision medicine is the core pursuit of modern clinical medicine. Based on CT, MRI, and other image data, 3D printing technology achieves personalized matching and precise treatment with the affected area through layer-by-layer superposition printing and promotes new cooperation between medicine and industry. This paper expounds on the typical application of 3D printing technology in the field of bone and joint surgery from 3 aspects: bionic printing model, metallic implants, and bioprinting. The remarkable effects of a bone joint bionic model are further clarified in surgical teaching, practice, and visual doctor-patient communication, but the image resolution and printing accuracy need to be further improved. We analyze the safety and effectiveness of metal implants, especially 3D printed porous tantalum, in the treatment of large bone defects, and many attempts of bioprinting bone and cartilage, as well as the challenges of biological ink and cell survival. 3D printing technology has promoted the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint surgery. In the future, researches should further study the effect of tantalum microstructure on biological function, prepare high-quality tantalum implants, and explore the breakthrough direction of bone tissue engineering printing technology.

Keywords

• 3d printing
• bionic model
• metallic implants
• bioprinting