Polymer-Based Materials Built with Additive Manufacturing Methods for Orthopedic Applications: A Review

Over the last few decades, polymers and their composites have shown a lot of promises in providing more viable alternatives to surgical procedures that require scaffolds implants. With advancement biomaterial technologies, it is possible overcome limitations current methods, including auto-transplantation, xeno-transplantation, implantation artificial mechanical organs used treat musculoskeletal conditions. The risks associated with these methods include complications, secondary injuries, limited sources donors. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has potential resolve some limitations. It can be for fabrication tailored tissue-engineering scaffolds, implants, repairing tissue defects situ cells, or even tissues directly. In addition perfectly matching patient’s damaged tissue, printed biomaterials engineered microstructures cellular arrangements promote cell growth differentiation. As result, such allow desired repair achieved, could eventually alleviate shortage organ such, this paper provides an overview different 3D-printed orthopedic applications reported literature since 2010. For benefit readers, general information regarding material, type manufacturing method, biomechanical tests are also reported.