CAD/CAM and rapid prototyped scaffold construction for bone regenerative medicine and surgical transfer of virtual planning: A pilot study

Received 27 March 2008; received in revised form 8 October 2008; accepted 20 October 2008.

Abstract

We developed a model to test new bone constructs to replace spare skeletal segments originating from new generation scaffolds for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Using computed tomography (CT) data, scaffolds were defined using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for rapid prototyping by three-dimensional (3D) printing. A bone defect was created in pig mandible ramus by condyle resection for CT and CAD/CAM elaboration of bone volume for cutting and scaffold restoration. The protocol produced a perfect-fitting bone substitute model for rapid prototyped hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds. A surgical guide system was developed to accurately reproduce virtually planned bone sectioning procedures in animal models to obtain a perfect fit during surgery.

Keywords: Maxillofacial prosthesis, CAD–CAM, Scaffold, Rapid prototyping, Bone regeneration

a Maxillo-Facial Prosthodontics, Section of Prosthodontics, Department of Oral Science, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy

b Virtual Reality and Simulation Laboratory, 2nd Engineering Faculty, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy

c Oral and Maxillo-Facial Rehabilitation, Section of Prosthodontics, Department of Oral Science, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy

Corresponding author at: Via S. Vitale 59, 40125 Bologna, Italy. Fax: +39 051 225208.

PII: S0895-6111(08)00104-3

doi:10.1016/j.compmedimag.2008.10.005

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