MATERIALS USED IN 3D PRINTING FOR BONE DEFECTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review discusses various materials used in repair of bone defects using 3D printing technology. The advantages, disadvantages and various properties of these materials have been highlighted in this systematic review.Materials and methods: A structured search of literature using major data bases like PubMed and Google Scholar were performed. Articles that fulfilled the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were appraised with respect to the key objectives of the review.Results: More research should be done in the field of bioinks for treating bone defects as this technique has many unexplored areas. The existing materials have major potential of being modified to further improve quality of treatment and ease of printability/manufacture. This will eventually enhance the overall quality of treatment. Conclusion: Treating bone defects with 3D printing has proven to be very successful. Many materials under these main 4 categories have been used as bioinks alone and in conjugation with other materials. Treating bone defects with 3D printed materials helps in achieving desired properties along with excellent aesthetics and outstanding postoperative results by increasing success rates. With that being stated, calcium phosphate composites have shown the most potential in treating bone defects via 3D printing. Their properties and results are ideal because of their similarity to the composition of natural bone.