3D printing bone, a way to treat fractures?

At the University of Arizona, a team of scientists is working on a 3D printing process to more effectively treat fractures, especially those of the US military. Dr. Szivek, a biomedical engineer and professor of orthopedic surgery in charge of the study, has just received a $ 2 million grant from the Department of Defense to accelerate his research and propose a quick fix to consolidate a fractured bone. In short, creating a way to be 3D printing bone.

The medical additive manufacturing is growing and the examples in terms of applications possibilities: 3D printed implants, bio-printed human tissue or manufacture of functional components, the list is large. It must be said that 3D technologies evolve rapidly and offer treatments that are much more adapted to each patient, allowing the medical sector to develop further. Dr. Szivek wants to combine 3D printing with adult stem cells to fully treat fractures.

John Szivek (Photo credits: Nadia Whitehead / UA College of Medicine – Tucson)

The professor explains; “Imagine an impact that causes half of a long bone to shatter so that it can’t be put back together—no current surgical treatment can ensure that kind of injury will heal,” He continues: “This is a really big problem for the military, where explosions or combat injuries can cause big bone defects.” Professor Szivek will therefore work with clinical partners in the UA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery throughout the process. This to 3D print biomimetic scaffolds, capable of replacing long bone segments, whether broken or even missing. They should be filled with calcium particles and adult stem cells, two agents that allow for much faster healing and bone growth. Once implanted, scaffolding would serve as a model for bone growth.