Application of 3D Printing in Bone Grafts

Abstract

The application of 3D printing in bone grafts is gaining in importance and is becoming more and more popular. The choice of the method has a direct impact on the preparation of the patient for surgery, the probability of rejection of the transplant, and many other complications. The aim of the article is to discuss methods of bone grafting and to compare these methods. This review of literature is based on a selective literature search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from 2001 to 2022 using the search terms “bone graft”, “bone transplant”, and “3D printing”. In addition, we also reviewed non-medical literature related to materials used for 3D printing. There are several methods of bone grafting, such as a demineralized bone matrix, cancellous allograft, nonvascular cortical allograft, osteoarticular allograft, osteochondral allograft, vascularized allograft, and an autogenic transplant using a bone substitute. Currently, autogenous grafting, which involves removing the patient’s bone from an area of low aesthetic importance, is referred to as the gold standard. 3D printing enables using a variety of materials. 3D technology is being applied to bone tissue engineering much more often. It allows for the treatment of bone defects thanks to the creation of a porous scaffold with adequate mechanical strength and favorable macro- and microstructures. Bone tissue engineering is an innovative approach that can be used to repair multiple bone defects in the process of transplantation. In this process, biomaterials are a very important factor in supporting regenerative cells and the regeneration of tissue. We have years of research ahead of us; however, it is certain that 3D printing is the future of transplant medicine.

3D printed osteochondral scaffolds: design strategies, present applications and future perspectives

“…In 3D printing, the computer-aided design model guides the layer-by-layer manufacture of OC scaffolds, precisely controls the macroscopic shape and microscopic pore structure of the scaffolds, and meets the needs of individual customization. Therefore, more and more researchers are devoted to the research of 3D printing OC tissue engineering scaffolds ( Brachet et al, 2023 ). Currently, a variety of 3D printing technologies have been developed, which can be broadly divided into powder-based (selective laser sintering and selective laser melting), fiber filament-based (fused deposition modeling, melt electro-writing and electrospinning), liquid-based (inkjet printing and extrusion printing), and light-source-based (stereolithography and digital light processing) 3D printing technologies ( Bittner et al, 2018 ).…”

Repair of Infected Bone Defects with Hydrogel Materials

“…The utilization of bone grafting with autologous material in the medical field necessitates supplementary surgical procedures due to limited resources. However, this approach is associated with potential complications such as immune rejection, donor site morbidity, and stress fractures [ 5 , 6 ]. Furthermore, the long-term administration of systemic antibiotics is susceptible to heightened antibiotic resistance and adverse health effects.…”

Reconstruction of Craniomaxillofacial Bone Defects with 3D-Printed Bioceramic Implants: Scoping Review and Clinical Case Series

“…Technological advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing have the potential to integrate the biomechanical properties of bioceramics in a PSI [12,17,18]. This technique is relatively new but is considered the future of transplant medicine [19]. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of bioceramic PSIs provides the possibility of printing a biocompatible patient-specific scaffold to guide osteoblasts and therefore replace bone defects in the craniomaxillofacial region without donor site morbidity [20].…”