Cleft Alveolus Reconstruction Using a Three-dimensional Printed Bioresorbable Scaffold with Human Bone Marrow Cells

摘要

In this study, we adapted in-house 3D printer using extrusion-based dispensing method to print a defect-customized scaffold and successfully prepared the scaffold for the alveolar bone defect. To induce effective bone regeneration, bone marrow derived MSCs extracted from the patient's iliac crest were added to the scaffold. Six months after surgery, a substantial amount of new bone was observed at the defect site. Active ingrowth and regeneration of bone tissue into the scaffold can be attributed to the fully interconnected pores of the printed scaffold, the fixation technique with plate and screws, the high osteogenic capacity of the cleft defect, and the bone regeneration potential of BMSCs.