3D Printed Ceramic Implant Fuses With Bone to Repair Broken Limbs

Researchers from the University of Sidney have developed a 3D printed ceramic implant that fuses with natural bone. The implant was successfully used to repair large leg fractures in sheep. 

As most of us know, breaking a bone is never an enjoyable experience, and having a metal plate or screws inserted into the fracture area doesn’t exactly jumpstart the fun. Thankfully, 3D printing technology is making it easier to create patient-specific implants and treat injuries or other debilitating conditions.

Now, a team of researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a ceramic 3D printed implant that naturally fuses with bone to repair broken limbs. That means no metal plates or screws are required.

The project, which is being led by Professor of Biomedical Engineering Hala Zreiqat, has been underway for a few years. After the material was successfully used to heal broken arm bones in rabbits, the team was moved on to a larger and more wooly animal. The researchers recently used the 3D printed ceramic implant to repair large leg fractures in sheep.

3D Printed Ceramic Implant Offers Advantages Over Traditional Fracture Treatment

In the latest phase of the study, the eight sheep observed and treated were able to walk with the implants directly after surgery. For the first month, plaster casts were used to help stabilize their legs, but the healing process was surprisingly quick and effective.

According to the researchers, 25 percent of the fractures were healed after three months, while 88 percent were healed after one year. X-rays showed that the ceramic implant actually fused into the bone.

While this breakthrough certainly has implications regarding the use of 3D printed implants in patients, the research is ongoing.

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