Abstract
Rapid prototyping is a technology originally developed approximately twenty years ago for the preparation of machine tool prototypes. It involves fabrication of three-dimensional structures by selective joining of materials in an additive layer-by-layer manner. To make patient- specific medical devices, images from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may serve as a model. Therefore, these implants include appropriate design features such as size, weight, and geometry for a given condition. Other features such as pore connectivity, shape, and size, may also be incorporated to encourage cell-prosthesis interaction. For example, prostheses may be designed with pores that allow for diffusion of nutrients into cells and waste matter away from cells. In addition, many rapid prototyping technologies can be set up in a conventional clinical environment (such as an operating room) that does not contain cleanroom facilities. The minimum feature size, advantages, and disadvantages for several rapid prototyping techniques are shown in the table.