3D-print­ed biodegrad­able metal­lic Mg scaf­folds, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Due to its flexibility, selective laser melting (SLM) is used to manufacture permanent, patient-specific, metallic implants made of commercially pure titanium. However, only a few studies on 3D printing magnesium using SLM have been published. We have developed new patient-specific solutions that surgeons could implement toward biodegradable magnesium implants.

The surgical application of permanent implants, e.g. osteosynthesis plates to stabilize fractured bones during healing, may be accompanied by disadvantages in the long-term, in particular in children or adolescent where impaired growth can result.

Furthermore, implant dislocations, implant-associated infections or injuries of nerves and vessels can appear as side effects. Secondary surgeries to remove the implant after successful bone healing and to clinically eradicate this artificial foreign body often are expensive and complex.

Resorbable implants, however, degenerate in-vivo. The foreign material is absorbed and no secondary surgery is necessary. Still, the mechanical strength of existing bioresorbable ceramic or polymeric biomaterials is too low for load-bearing applications. On the contrary, magnesium could be used as a biomaterial for the production of metallic, resorbable implants with sufficient mechanical properties.