In situ 3D bioprinting of musculoskeletal tissues in orthopedic surgery

Annually, millions of Americans require some form of reconstructive surgery as the result of a traumatic injury, degenerative process or pathologic state. In the field of orthopedic surgery, the gold standard for augmenting bone, cartilage and soft tissue defects has been through the application of grafts, prostheses and soft-tissue flaps. Recently, there have been great advances within the field of tissue engineering including the development of 3D-bioprinting technology. Bioprinting uses biomaterials and cells to create 3D tissue-mimicking structures aimed at repairing or replacing damaged tissues. Further developments have led to in situ bioprinting which manufactures the tissue directly at the site of repair through handheld or portable 3D-bioprinting devices. Challenges still exist in implementing this technology. However, there is hope that one day this technology will be equipped for the operating room or clinic.