Additive Titanium Manufacturing to Repair Critically Sized Antebrachial Bone Defects in Two Dogs

Abstract Recent developments in the medical field of additive manufacturing (AM) have allowed creation patient-specific porous titanium implants for use field. With correct pore size such scaffolds are able to be integrated into surrounding bone. Two dogs were presented with atrophic non-union proximal ulna involving elbow joint due previous orthopaedic procedures severe complications that led segmental bone defects not expected heal without a secondary intervention. Computed tomography (CT) was performed and saw guides designed silico printed by AM. Osteotomies adjacent healthy guided three-dimensional (3D)-printed nylon allowing perfect fit 3D-printed implant. In one case scaffold filled morphogenic protein held place two plates. other cancellous graft plate part design. Both cases regained function weight-bearing lameness. Osseointegration implant shown both on follow-up CT radiographs macroscopically evident pores 3D after removal. One dog euthanatized unrelated disease micro-CT revealed solid bridging through inner tunnel. This study showed successful application design, fabrication clinical repair antebrachium dogs.