SELECTIVE LASER MELTING TECHNOLOGY TOWARDS PRODUCTION OF ORTHOPAEDIC METAL IMPLANT: IN VIVO BIOCOMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS

Nurul Hafiza Mohd Jan; Ahmad Hafiz Zulkifly; Mohd Zulfadzli  Ibrahim; Zahana  Abdul Hamid; Rosnani  Abdul Jalil; Nur Fathonah  Mohamad Amri; Mohd Afian  Omar

Nurul Hafiza Mohd Jan Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Ahmad Hafiz Zulkifly Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Mohd Zulfadzli Ibrahim Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Zahana Abdul Hamid Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Rosnani Abdul Jalil Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Nur Fathonah Mohamad Amri Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25150 Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.
Mohd Afian Omar Industrial Centre of Innovation in Biomedical, SIRIM Berhad, 09000 Kulim Kedah, Malaysia

Keywords: Selective laser melting technology, Ti6Al4V, fracture fixation, orthopaedic implant, biocompatibility

Abstract

The primary aim of fracture management is to fracture stabilization towards normal mobilization. Internal fixation in bone fractures is well established. Selective laser melting (SLM) represents a new class of potentially revolutionary technology in the fabrication of orthopaedic implants. This technology holds great promise for producing specialized and customized orthopaedic implants without compromising their quality. The study aims to compare the capability of SLM titanium plates as an internal fixator on fracture healing and biocompatibility in vivo. All rabbits underwent surgery to induce a transverse mid-shaft tibial fracture, which was then fixed with either an SLM titanium plate or a conventional Synthes® plate, under anaesthesia. Fracture healing, bone union and biocompatibility were monitored at weeks 3, 6, 9, 12, and 26 histologically. Both groups showed callus formation, with mild to moderate callus bridging observed at week 6. By week 26, complete remodelling of cortical bone was evident, and both types of plates showed in-situ throughout the study. These findings suggest that orthopaedic plates produced via SLM technology have comparable potential to conventional plates in terms of fracture stabilization, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity. The outcome of this study indicates that SLM-manufactured plates could serve as alternative internal fixation of orthopaedic fracture management in future.