3D printed biodegradable scaffold designed at MERLN institute used for severe bone defect in patient 

Prof. Martijn van Griensven (MERLN) together with the MUMC+ Traumatology department successfully implanted a 3D printed scaffold to prepare a major bone defect. The bioengineered implant was able to fill up a large gap in the tibia of the patient, who suffered from a severe motor injury. During the surgery stem cells received from the patient’s bone marrow are used and added in high concentrations to the graft.

After 6 months of recovery, the patient is able to walk independently without crutches! Of course there is still a long way to go, but in approximately half a year the gap will be completely filled with new bone. In about 3 years the implant will be completely dissolved.

This research received attention by many media sites: MUMC+, RTL nieuws, Observant