Abstract: A scaffold designing engine (SDE) and a method for designing an outer shape of an implantable scaffold (IS), are provided. The SDE identifies a digital representation of a defect contour separating a healthy bone surface from an outer surface of a bone defect using complementary, cross-sectional image visualizations and/or a three-dimensional image visualization of a data volume, and renders a digital representation of the outer surface of the bone defect as a membrane. The SDE identifies a spatial location of a first base plane and a base facet of the IS. The SDE renders a tubular surface connecting the outer contour of the base facet and the defect contour as a wall surface and a digital representation of a two-dimensional outer surface of the IS by a contiguous joinder of two-dimensional segments of the base facet, the membrane, and a wall surface.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printing apparatus to print an implantable bone scaffold (IBS) in an aseptic environment is described. The 3D printing apparatus includes a sterile cartridge. The sterile cartridge contains a sterile printing material, a print nozzle, and a plunger. The 3D printing apparatus also includes a heater configured to indirectly heat the printing material. In addition, the 3D printing apparatus includes a cartridge receiver configured to retain the sterile cartridge. A sterile receiving plate is positioned below the print nozzle. A cover encompasses and maintains the sterile cartridge and the sterile receiving plate in an aseptic environment. A filter fan unit (FFU) overlays a section of the cover. Positive laminar filtered air flow created by the FFU maintains the aseptic environment inside a printing chamber. An ultraviolet light source irradiates the receiving plate. A movable diaphragm separates a printer mechanism, below the receiving plate, from the printing chamber.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printing apparatus to print an implantable bone scaffold (IBS) in an aseptic environment is described. The 3D printing apparatus includes a sterile cartridge. The sterile cartridge contains a sterile printing material, a print nozzle, and a plunger. The 3D printing apparatus also includes a heater configured to indirectly heat the printing material. In addition, the 3D printing apparatus includes a cartridge receiver configured to retain the sterile cartridge. A sterile receiving plate is positioned below the print nozzle. A cover encompasses and maintains the sterile cartridge and the sterile receiving plate in an aseptic environment. A filter fan unit (FFU) overlays a section of the cover. Positive laminar filtered air flow created by the FFU maintains the aseptic environment inside a printing chamber. An ultraviolet light source irradiates the receiving plate. A movable diaphragm separates a printer mechanism, below the receiving plate, from the printing chamber.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printing apparatus to print an implantable bone scaffold (IBS) in an aseptic environment is described. The 3D printing apparatus includes a sterile cartridge. The sterile cartridge contains a sterile printing material, a print nozzle, and a plunger. The 3D printing apparatus also includes a heater configured to indirectly heat the printing material. In addition, the 3D printing apparatus includes a cartridge receiver configured to retain the sterile cartridge. A sterile receiving plate is positioned below the print nozzle. A cover encompasses and maintains the sterile cartridge and the sterile receiving plate in an aseptic environment. A filter fan unit (FFU) overlays a section of the cover. Positive laminar filtered air flow created by the FFU maintains the aseptic environment inside a printing chamber. An ultraviolet light source irradiates the receiving plate. A movable diaphragm separates a printer mechanism, below the receiving plate, from the printing chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printing apparatus to print an implantable bone scaffold (IBS) in an aseptic environment is described. The 3D printing apparatus includes a sterile cartridge. The sterile cartridge contains a sterile printing material, a print nozzle, and a plunger. The 3D printing apparatus also includes a heater configured to indirectly heat the printing material. In addition, the 3D printing apparatus includes a cartridge receiver configured to retain the sterile cartridge. A sterile receiving plate is positioned below the print nozzle. A cover encompasses and maintains the sterile cartridge and the sterile receiving plate in an aseptic environment. A filter fan unit (FFU) overlays a section of the cover. Positive laminar filtered air flow created by the FFU maintains the aseptic environment inside a printing chamber. An ultraviolet light source irradiates the receiving plate. A movable diaphragm separates a printer mechanism, below the receiving plate, from the printing chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and an ink that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. This is porous poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) made osteoinductive by demineralized bone (DMB). The ink is provided as a precursor powder and liquid. The powder contains DMB, sucrose crystals and a polymerization initiator. The liquid contains methyl methacrylate (MMA). Optional compounds include antibiotics, radio-pacifiers, and compounds to increase biodegradability. Once mixed, the MMA polymerizes to PMMA. The ingredients are proportioned so that the ink is delivered through a 10 gauge print nozzle for about 10 minutes per batch. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.