Partially Absorbable 3D Printed Innovative Orthopedic Implants

Commercially the orthopedic implants (OI) of metals/alloys/polymers are being widely used in clinical applications. But hitherto little has been reported on partially absorbable OI for supporting osteointegration and online health monitoring. This study outlines the 3D printed partially absorbable innovative OI comprising of 17-4 precipitate hardened stainless steel (as conductor and ground plane) and polylactic acid-based composite with the reinforcement of hydroxyapatite, and chitosan (as dielectric material). The 3D printed innovative OI of multi-materials was explored for online sensing capabilities based upon dielectric constant (εr) and loss tangent (tanδ) of dielectric material. The radio frequency and polarization resistance (Rp) analysis under the effect of simulated body fluid was conducted to ascertain the health of innovative OI in the industrial, scientific, and medical band as an internet of things-based solution.