Peking University Researchers Print Titanium Bone Implants

Researchers at Peking Third University in Beijing, China, are successfully printing titanium implants with a three-dimensional (3-D) printer that fit within a patient’s bone structure. The implants are touted as alternatives to traditional steel pins or plates, and are created via electron beam melting.

In cooperation with a Beijing medical device company that owns an imported 3-D printer, the university hospital has produced dozens of hip replacements and artificial vertebral bodies.

The research team, led by Liu Zhongjun, M.D., director of the Health Center at the university, is in the process of acquiring approval from Chinese regulatory authorities to market its titanium implants. The team has been working on the devices for four years, and began a clinical trial last year.

“We started clinical trials on 3-D printed implants late last year, and now we have used dozens of such implants for more than 50 [volunteer] patients,” reported Liu. “All the patients recover very well. Nobody seems to have any undesirable side effects or adverse reaction.”

While short run customization is the chief benefit of this implant manufacturing process, Liu has noticed another benefit that sets 3-D printing apart from other implant manufacturing techniques.

“In the past we used clinical titanium mesh, but with the growth of bone, titanium mesh could easily stick into the bone and cause collapse,” said Liu. “3-D printed implants fit the bone completely. And as a result, not only the pressure on the bone is reduced, but it also allows the bone to grow into the implants. In this aspect, 3-D printed implants are more reliable than traditional ones.

“3-D printing technology has two very nice features: 1. It can print specific structures; 2. It is capable of producing porous metal.” Liu continued. “For example atlantoaxial is an oddly shaped vertebrae. The shapes of orthopedic implants used nowadays are usually geometric patterns and cannot attach to bones firmly. But 3-D printed implant fits perfectly and could greatly enhance the firmness.”

Liu’s team launched the program in 2009. The university hospital provided the design and the medical device company digitalized the design. In mid-2010, the department started trials on sheep, and in 2012, the team received permission from health authorities for human trials.

Liu believes that “producing medical devices through 3-D printing saves time and materials, and thus the cost will be lower than traditional methods.”