3D Printing Heals Bone Fractures

Imagine a surgery where a fractured bone isn’t fixed using metal plates and donor tissue, but can be instantly repaired with a piece of “living” bone printed directly into the fracture.

A new, handheld 3D printing ‘glue gun’ has been developed that allows surgeons to draw a biodegradable bone scaffold right onto a fracture. Additionally this revolutionary device uses a special composite material that mimics the strength and structure of natural bone.

This innovation promises to reshape orthopedic care by offering multiple life-changing advantages:

• Precision and Speed: Surgeons can manually mold the implant to fit any irregular fracture perfectly, reducing operative time.

• Built-in Infection Fighter: The scaffolds slowly release antibiotics, bathing the injury site to combat post-operative infection.

• Natural Healing: The printed implant stimulates new bone cell growth and is designed to naturally degrade and be absorbed by the body.

This technology offers a safer, cleaner, and faster path to healing. Read the full article to learn about the successful animal trials.