Resorbable implants reduce the need for revision surgery
In a bone fracture, implants are often used that must be removed in a second surgical procedure after the healing is complete. To avoid this additional burden for patients, Fraunhofer IAPT developed a bioresorbable implant for distal radius fractures.
The implant is based on a functionally integrated gyroid structure, additively manufactured by piston-based material extrusion from the magnesium alloy Mg4.5Gd. The gradually integrated hollow structure enables targeted tuning of mechanical properties as well as the degradation rate. In combination with the resorbable material, the implant initially provides the necessary stability for fracture fixation and subsequently degrades in a controlled manner parallel to the bone healing process.
Development and validation were performed within the VIP+ research project BioMag3D. Fraunhofer IAPT investigated the suitability of piston-based material extrusion for the manufacture of bioresorbable metal implants. Process and part quality were ensured through comprehensive mechanical and in vitro degradation studies conducted in cooperation with Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon.