Technical Name Development of 3D-print porous gradient glassy-metal for cancellous bone prosthesis
Project Operator National Sun Yat-sen University
Summary
Key technologies (a) Design of complex 3D structures and development of simulation software, (b) Metallic glass powder suitable for laser laminate manufacturing, (c) Structure design of porous biomaterial stent with high added value. Research and development of the bone medical products with high added value, accelerates the development of personalized medical industry in the future.
Scientific Breakthrough
For patients with comminuted fractures, the bone screw and plate or nailing intramedullary is often used for fixation, and bone-cement or artificial bone powder is applied to strengthen bone growth and bone healing in clinical practice. The solid titanium is often the material of intramedullary nail for mechanical strength, but it may cause localized stress concentration or stress shielding of the sponge bone, resulting in local osteoporosis and fracture again. Moreover, due to changes in the workplace work style recently, the sedentary group has the low back pain, which is caused by prolapse or deformation of lumbar intervertebral disc. There are many patients suffering from back pain. Patients with such " mechanical low back pain " or "sciatica" are often diagnosed as "spondylolisthesis". If the spondylolisthesis is more serious, the lumbar intervertebral disc will be squeezed into the spinal cord. The sciatica is a neuropathic pain, the curative effect of the painkiller is limited. 
To remove the neurological compression by surgically can relieve the pain effectively.The use of an internal fixator for vertebral fusion surgery is currently the mainstream treatment.
The advantages of 3D-print porous gradient glassy-metal for cancellous bone prosthesis
1. Ti-based metallic glass materials:
(1) Avoiding material patents
(2) Stress-free residue
(3) Low modulus of elasticity, reducing stress shielding
(4) High-strength
(5) Good biocompatibility
(6) Good corrosion resistance
2. Production of Ti-based metallic glass materials TiZrTaSiSnCo powder:
(1) Particle size distribution 15 ≦ D50 ≦ 44 μm
(2) Powder roundness 0.85 ≦ AR ≦ 1
(3) Stack density > 70%
(4) Carr Index ≦ 15%
3. The design for implant:
(1) Simulation techniques (InVesalius 3.1=>Geomagic studio=>ANSYS simulation)
(2) Porous gradient structure
(3) Bionic structure
4. Laser additive manufacturing technology:
(1) Avoiding patents
(2) The product of high complexity production
(3) Customized service
5. Biocompatibility and animal experiments:
(1) Non-cytotoxicity
(2) Good biocompatibility
(3) Bone tissue cells grow in the pores of the implant
Industrial Applicability
雷射積層製造業、需植入特殊骨置換體之病患
other people also saw