Clinical approaches to repair large bone defects currently include the use of autografts, allografts, or metal implants, all which may have complications such as implant failure, rejection, persistent discomfort, or new bone fractures. We believe that the use of ceramics as bone substitutes could allow for faster, more complete healing; reduce complications; minimize the need for follow-up surgery; and improve patient outcomes by allowing for improved vascularization and in-vivo bone tissue formation. This presentation will highlight the development and use of ceramic additive manufacturing technologies to develop novel solutions based on 3D scaffolds to repair large bone defects. This technical development has been accelerated through the efforts of a consortium that has been created between industry (General Electric Research) and academics (Dr. Elise Morgan, Dr. Christopher Chen, and Dr. Jeroen Eyckmans at Boston University) focused on bringing together state-of-the-art ceramic additive manufacturing, biomechanics and mechanobiology together with bone and vascular engineering to promote regeneration of large bone defects. Preliminary results from ex-vivo and in-vivo animal experiments will be highlighted. We will also introduce novel methods to analyze uCT based radiological data to determine optimal local scaffold topologies for bone tissue development.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the widespread need for improved orthopedic implants.
- Identify a novel 3D ceramic additive manufacturing technology.
- Describe how novel 3D printed ceramics can be utilized to promote regeneration of large bone defects.
