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2012
Journal Article
Titel
Trends and developments in the area of material sciences and manufacturing technologies for medical supportive structures
Abstract
Supportive structures are used in various areas of invasive medicine and medical engineering. The spectrum of the deployed materials reaches from organic to anorganic materials to organic-anorganic composite materials for hybrid implants. Depending on the application, the implant structure can replace removed tissue or it can support the regeneration of defect tissue areals. Through the implementation of different manufacturing technologies and materials, the supportive structures can be adapted to the individual patient or be adapted to the specific defect. The main goals in the development of such structures are usually the modulation of the mechanical characteristics to the natural ideal as well as a biocompatible surface, which allows the ingrowth of cells and tissue. Besides the mechanical characteristics, the adaptation of implant geometry to the natural body e.g. tissue contour, is an important aspect, especially on plastic surgery. Reconstruction of head e.g. scull areals for example after tumor resection should be highlighted here. This article gives an overview on up-to-date manufacturing technologies and used materials by means of selected examples.