Advancements in Design of Personalized Bone Scaffolds and Fabrication Through 3D Printing

In orthopedic surgery, bone tissues aid in the reconstruction of damaged or missing bone and ligaments, allowing patients to achieve optimal motor function recovery. A musculoskeletal tissue bank collects and certifies donated tissue for transplantation. However, sometimes suitable bone tissue is unavailable or incompatible geometrically with the required implant. Custom-made, biocompatible artificial bone tissue development could mitigate such challenges. Scaffolds, either biological or synthetic, promote bone regeneration within the body. Despite research on their chemical compositions and mechanical properties, limited attention is given to their geometric design and personalized shape. This study presents a method for designing bone scaffold geometry using additive manufacturing in a biocompatible material. The aim is to create a scaffold with variable density, from denser cortical to less dense medullary zones. CT images determine bone tissue density, compared to the density imposed on the scaffold. Additionally, the printability of the PEEK, the chosen material, is investigated. CAD 3D modeling software generates an example of porous scaffolds in a lattice structure, customizable to specific case studies, that could facilitate osteointegration. Further research may address the structural analysis of these elements and compare the results with the characteristics of human bone tissue.