3D-Printed Biopolymer Scaffolds for Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine
Beyond titanium, 2026 has seen a surge in the use of Bio-resorbable Polymers (such as PCL and PLA) for orthopedic applications in Colombia and Chile. These 3D-printed scaffolds are used to bridge large bone gaps that would otherwise require amputation.
These scaffolds act as a temporary "trellis" for bone growth. In many South American clinics, these 3D-printed structures are seeded with the patient's own stem cells before being implanted. Over a period of 12 to 24 months, the polymer scaffold slowly dissolves as it is replaced by the patient's natural bone tissue. This technology has revolutionized the treatment of bone tumors and severe non-union fractures across the Andean region.
4 Views