Manufacturing of custom-made medical implants for cranio / maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgery - an overview of the current state of the industry

Abstract

Extensive work has been done in the area of manufacturing implants for medical purposes, and more recently the development of customised implants. Areas of application include cranio/maxillo-facial implants, dental drill guides, hip, knee and shoulder replacements, as well as different implants for the spine. Due to their high prevalence and complex anatomical geometry the purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of the industry regarding customised medical implants for cranio/maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgery. Implant customisation has far-reaching benefits, and a collective approach to solving current difficulties will require an in-depth study of successes already achieved. Several issues in this regard are examined, including what defines customisation, regulatory issues that govern customisation and design constraints, trends in different areas of application, suitable materials, and finally which manufacturing techniques are being employed, with a focus on the use of Layer Manufacturing technologies and their role in custom-made medical implants.