| Summary: | Published Article === 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.
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