Design and performance analysis of 3D-printed stiffness gradient femoral scaffold

Studies on 3D-printed porous bone scaffolds mostly focus on materials or structural parameters, while the repair of large femoral defects needs to select appropriate structural parameters according to the needs of different parts. In this paper, a kind of stiffness gradient scaffold design idea is proposed. Different structures are selected according to the different functions of different parts of the scaffold. At the same time, an integrated fixation device is designed to fix the scaffold. Finite element method was used to analyze the stress and strain of homogeneous scaffolds and the stiffness gradient scaffolds, and the relative displacement and stress between stiffness gradient scaffolds and bone in the case of integrated fixation and steel plate fixation. The results showed that the stress distribution of the stiffness gradient scaffolds was more uniform, and the strain of host bone tissue was changed greatly, which was beneficial to the growth of bone tissue. The integrated fixation method is more stable, less stress and evenly distributed. Therefore, the integrated fixation device combined with the design of stiffness gradient can repair the large femoral bone defect well.

Automated summary

Studies on 3D-printed porous bone scaffolds mainly focus on material and structural parameters. However, repairing large femoral defects requires selecting appropriate structural parameters based on the needs of different parts. This paper proposes a stiffness gradient scaffold design concept, using different structures for different functions. An integrated fixation device is also designed for scaffold fixation. Finite element method analysis shows that the stress distribution of stiffness gradient scaffolds is more uniform, and the strain of host bone tissue is significantly changed, promoting bone tissue growth. The integrated fixation method provides stability, less stress, and even distribution, making it effective for repairing large femoral bone defects.