BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTING FOR healthcare

AM’s ability to produce fine mesh or lattice structures on the surface of surgical implants can promote better osseointegration and reduce rejection rates. Biocompatible materials such as titanium and cobalt– chrome alloys are available for applications in maxillofacial (jaw and face) surgery and orthopedics. The superior surface geometry produced by AM has been shown to improve implant survival rate by a factor of 2 when compared to traditional products. The porosity of these AM products coupled with the high level of customization and ability to manufacture them from traditional medical materials has resulted in AM implants becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the AM medical i

Much like a drill jig is used in manufacturing to ensure a hole is placed in the exact right location, physicians also implement guides and tools to assist in surgery. Historically, surgical guides and tools were generic devices made of titanium or aluminum. By implementing AM, physicians are able to create guides that precisely follow a patient's unique anatomy, accurately locating drills or other instruments used during surgery. AM guides and tools are used to make the placement of restorative treatments (screws, plates, and implants) more precise, resulting in better postoperative results.  

While much of the focus for 3D printing in the medical industry has been around implants and medical devices used by patients, one of the largest areas of application has concentrated on anatomical replicas. Historically, clinical training, education, and device testing have relied on the use of animal models, human cadavers, and mannequins for hands-on experience in a clinical simulation. These options have several deficiencies including limited supply, expense of handling and storage, the lack of pathology within the models, inconsistencies with human anatomy, and the inability to accurately represent tissue characteristics of living humans.  

Biocompatibility, load-bearing capacity and durability are the fundamental requirements for orthopedic implants. 3D printing fully meets these requirements whilst advancing the functionality and fit of implants. This can primarily be attributed to the ability of the technology to create complex shapes like porous structures, which help a patient’s body to adapt to an implant faster and with fewer complications. In addition to titanium and other biocompatible metals, 3D printing can be coupled with polymers like PEEK and PEKK to produce implants. These thermoplastics are known for their high strength and biocompatibility, and also offer a few benefits over metal implants like lower costs and radiolucency.