3D scaffolds in bone regeneration

3D printing of scaffold is a method to replace or regenerate damaged bone fragments. The 3D printed scaffolds can be combined with stem cells to obtain optimal system for effective healing of even large fragments of defected or injured bones. Replacement of small bone fragments can be done using patients own bone material transplanted from another region in the body. However, when patient requires replacement of larger fragment such method cannot be applied due to limitation of the transplant material and surgeons must use other synthetic or natural materials. Making use of 3D printing to recreate damaged bone fragments is a better alternative compared to existing methods. By adding patient's own stem cells to the 3D ?printed scaffold, we can obtain an optimal system for risk-free and efficient bone regeneration. The use of patients own cells reduces the risk of the body rejecting the new bone. Specially designed scaffold provides a structure with far greater mechanic properties compared to currently used bone grafts and substitutes. 3D scaffold will not need replacement, thus the method will reduce the stress and suffering of the patient and lower the costs for the hospitals and society. 3D printed scaffolds aim to help repairing large fragments of fractured or defected bones by providing proper structure to induce bone regeneration. A number of conditions related to bone defects and bone injuries will be treatable once the marketable product is developed for clinical use. New strategies for large bone fragments regeneration and replacement therapies will be enabled. The personalized 3D printed scaffolds will help a numerous amount of patients. It is estimated that each year, only in Europe, about one million patients can benefit from the technology.