Mechanical properties of three-dimensionally printed titanium plates used in jaw reconstruction: preliminary study

Evaluation of the Properties of 3D-Printed Ti Alloy Plates: In Vivo and In Vitro Comparative Experimental Study

“…Ti alloy plates perform a crucial function in rigid internal fixation in maxillofacial surgery [ 1 , 2 ]. Although 3D-printed Ti alloy plates have long been used in clinical practice [ 10 , 11 ], previous studies still need a comprehensive evaluation of them [ 2 , 12 , 13 ]. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties, surface morphology, biocompatibility, and application accuracy of the 3D-Ti plates by comparing them with the Synthes-Ti plates.…”

“…Therefore, the biomechanical properties of the Ti plates exert a vital role in fracture healing as they provide sufficient strength to reduce the movements between the bone segments during fracture healing [ 12 ]. The thickness of 3D-Ti plates for fracture fixation should be 1 mm [ 10 ]. At the same thickness, the mechanical properties of 3D-Ti plates were significantly better than those of standard Ti plates [ 13 ].…”

3D Printing Applications for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction: A Sweeping Review

“…Furthermore, the need to bend 3D printed plates preoperatively may be minimized or eliminated, as they are printed to fit the exact shape of patient anatomy. This shortens operative time and reduces any unnecessary wear that may compromise performance. , …”

“…They typically need to be adjusted again intraoperatively as changes to surgical margins may occur between the preoperative and intraoperative period . This can be physically challenging and time-consuming to the point that it significantly extends operative time, particularly for surgeons early on in their training. − Even still, complete bone-plate congruence without visible gaps is rarely achieved. , For more complicated cases, a plate may need to be bent repeatedly, resulting in residual stresses that can compromise its performance in vivo . ,,− Residual stresses generated from titanium plate contouring have been theorized to initiate crack formation that then grow larger under the loading stresses associated with mastication, leading to plate fracture and screw loosening. ,, Previous literature has found that in comparison to commercial plates made of the same material, 3D printed plates have superior mechanical properties . Furthermore, the need to bend 3D printed plates preoperatively may be minimized or eliminated, as they are printed to fit the exact shape of patient anatomy.…”

“…13,17,19 Previous literature has found that in comparison to commercial plates made of the same material, 3D printed plates have superior mechanical properties. 14 Furthermore, the need to bend 3D printed plates preoperatively may be minimized or eliminated, as they are printed to fit the exact shape of patient anatomy. This shortens operative time and reduces any unnecessary wear that may compromise performance.…”