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Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing MAM for orthopedic bone plates: An overview

V, Cr, and Ni to mitigate risks associated with allergies or A notable advancement in orthopedics, highlighted
inflammation due to degradation by-products [65,66] . by AM, is the emphasis on bone plate design, with
Current explorations primarily revolve around three topology optimization at the forefront. Pioneering
[33]
metallic categories: iron-based, magnesium-based, and work by Al-Tamimi et al. initiated this exploration,
zinc-based materials . Magnesium alloys, for instance, delving into patient-specific bone plates tailored for
[67]
have been proposed as potential substitutes for permanent distal tibia fractures. Building on this foundation,
metals. Chaya et al. noted their beneficial role in fracture subsequent research sought to alleviate stress shielding, a
[68]
[46]
healing and bone formation. However, concerns arise from recurrent challenge in bone fracture interventions . The
their swift degradation, sometimes resulting in inadequate complexity of the design process was further accentuated
[74]
support during crucial healing stages. Moreover, by Wu et al. , who integrated a time-dependent TO
by-products like hydrogen gas from their degradation can approach to accommodate bone remodeling dynamics.
potentially hinder bone formation [28,69,70] . Solutions like the Notwithstanding the promising outcomes of these studies
ZX11 magnesium alloy have been explored to tackle these in curbing stress shielding and enhancing graft longevity,
challenges . they often hinge on intricate algorithms necessitating
[71]
considerable computational prowess. In a significant stride
Zinc-based materials, with their moderate degradation toward practical application, Zhang et al. showcased
[75]
rate, have emerged as potential alternatives to their the practicality of SLM in producing bespoke biological
magnesium-based counterparts . Their strength lies in fixation plates, underscoring the potential of SLM in
[67]
the absence of hydrogen gas in their degradation products advancing high-performance biological fixation plates.
and complete absorbability. He et al. showcased an
[65]
innovative biodegradable iron scaffold coated with Despite the transformative potential of AM and TO in
zinc that demonstrated promising bone formation and bone plate design, it is crucial to acknowledge the existing
controlled degradation. challenges. The computationally intensive nature of TO,
[74]
The exploration is not confined to metals. Non- as pointed out by Wu et al. , may hinder its broad-scale
[75]
metallic materials, particularly bioceramics and specific adoption. Zhang et al. provided promising insights into
polymers, have garnered interest due to their superior the viability of SLM-produced plates, but the long-term
biocompatibility and biodegradability [15,27] . Mo et al. clinical implications remain underexplored. Moreover, the
[72]
highlighted the potential of nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAp) seemingly boundless design freedom granted by AM and
orthopedic implants, emphasizing their role in drug TO is often tethered by practicalities, like screw placement
[76]
delivery and healing enhancement. However, materials like constraints, as elucidated by Park et al. Hence, while the
polyetheretherketone, despite their promise in reducing horizons of bone plate design have expanded, realizing the
imaging artifacts, face challenges in ensuring adequate full potential of these technologies necessitates addressing
[73]
support during bone healing . these limitations.
To recapitulate, while strides have been made in the Pivoting to recent innovations, AM has catalyzed
evolution of materials for orthopedic implants, challenges the advent of unique design structures targeting stress
[77]
persist. The quest continues for materials that can provide shielding mitigation. Subasi et al. pioneered a finite
robust, biocompatible, and timely degrading solutions for element (FE)-rooted design of experiments to discern
bone healing . the mechanical nuances of lattice-augmented bone
[52]
plates. Their manipulation of design variables achieved
4.2. Crafting ideal bone plates with AM a substantial stiffness reduction, hinting at better
AM has spurred a design revolution, enabling the fabrication osteosynthesis outcomes. Emphasizing biomechanics, Xu
[78]
of intricate structures that traditional manufacturing once et al. showcased AM lattice bone plates, reinforcing
deemed challenging. With the manufacturing constraints the need for biomechanical synchronization for
diminished, designers are now empowered to prioritize optimal healing. Diverging from conventional designs,
[34]
product functionality and structural robustness. This shift Vijayavenkataraman et al. delved into auxetic structures
in design philosophy has profoundly impacted multiple in bone plates, highlighting their potential in attenuating
sectors, such as aerospace, mobile technology, and notably, stress shielding. Finally, the generative design approach
biomedical engineering. Specifically, in orthopedics, of Kanagalingam et al. for patient-specific high tibial
[35]
the potential of AM to craft innovative and optimized osteotomy plates stands as a testament to the adaptability of
orthopedic implants has attracted significant research AM in orthopedics. However, amidst these advancements
attention, aiming to address prevalent issues like stress lies a significant lacuna: the absence of comprehensive
shielding seen with conventional metallic implants. biomedical testing for cellular compatibility. While these

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/msam.2113