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International Journal of Bioprinting Wireless module system applied on 3D-printed implant

Figure 7. Failure patterns were found at the ramus fracture for the reconstructive mandible under different load magnitude applied on the premolar/molar
after fatigue tests.

monitor and enhance musculoskeletal rehabilitation after Our previous study proposed the design criterion for
surgery, the inherent larger size prevents their integration patient-specific 3D-printed reconstructed implants with
into 3D-printed mandibular reconstructive implants. appearance consideration and structural optimization
of various mandibular continuity defects. The different
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On the other hand, strain gauge-based measurement
technology has been widely adopted in the medical mandible continuity defects consist of five continuity
mandibular defects, i.e., single B/C/A+B and combination
field due to its advantages of small size and low cost. of B+C and B+C+B segments, where defect C was the
To achieve early biomechanical behavior detection after
surgery, there is a need to develop miniaturized WMS segmental defect and defined from left to right canines,
for strain gauge measurements within the implant. This defect B was defined from first premolar to third molar,
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study focused only on modular development of single/ and defect A was defined from third molar to ramus.
uniaxial strain gauge systems, which was then installed All five continuity mandibular defects had internal spaces
in a 3D-printed MMPSI. This system enabled real-time larger than the volume of the WMS and possess adequate
monitoring of strain variations in the inner right buccal structural strength.
wall adjacent to the fixation wing under fatigue cyclic This study only focused initially on an experimental
loads. Future developments may involve expanding this MMPSI and installed wireless modulus system as the
approach to multiple locations for further measurement testing sample in the available internal space. At the current
and analysis. stage, we aim to develop WMS for strain measurement
and apply this system to understand its potential for early
The current WMS, including chips/circuit board/
battery, measured approximately 20 mm × 12 mm × 8 mm biomechanics monitoring verification of a patient-specific
3D-printed implant. However, smaller-sized chips are
in size. This indicated that the internal space design for not feasible due to the higher production costs and the
a patient-specific 3D-printed reconstructive mandibular low demands. More applications can be realized in future
implant must be larger than this specific size when utilizing through chip miniaturization if cost of making these chips
the WMS. Stability in the overall structure is a key factor through mass production can be reduced.
guaranteeing internal space within mandibular implants.
This can be accomplished through adherence to the Furthermore, the current weight of the WMS was 4
design guidelines for patient-specific implants in various g, and the total weight, including the 3D-printed metal
mandibular defects. implant, amounts to 17 g. However, the initial weight of

Volume 10 Issue 3 (2024) 613 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2553