Biodegradable scaffolds for bone defect treatment

Abstract

Purpose Animals, especially dogs are nowadays treated like family members so that when their pet's health condition has deteriorated, they go with them to the veterinarian. Common reasons for emergency visits include injuries and a decrease in animal performance due to progressive disease. The dynamic development of veterinary medicine and manufacturing techniques allows implants to be made using additive techniques. As an innovative solution dedicated as a scaffold for bone tissue reconstruction are the implants proposed by Cabiomede made of PLA. These implants should have the right properties to ensure the right conditions for bone fusion. It is also important to determine the time of degradation, which is associated with a significant loss of mechanical properties. Methods Therefore, the study assessed the mechanical properties of polymer implants made by FDM printing technology. The static compression and three-point bending tests, material wettability, and macro and microscopic observations were carried out. The effect of steam sterilization on the change in the determined parameters was also determined. Results Hydrolytic degradation initiated by exposure to Ringer's solution resulted in a change in structure from amorphous to semicrystalline. This indicates a partial dissolution of the amorphous phase and thus an increase in the percentage of the crystalline phase which resulted in the brittleness of the material. Conclusions The compressive strength values of PLA implants are similar to those of cancellous bone.