Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42179769›Full record

ArticleBiomaterials translational2026

Four-dimensional-printed personalized shape memory NiTi implant for minimally invasive delivery in cavitary bone defect reconstruction.

Zhuangzhuang Li, Minxun Lu, Shanfang Zou, Ruicheng Liu, Haoyuan Lei, Yitian Wang, Yuqi Zhang, Yong Zhou, Changchun Zhou, Yi Luo and 2 more

Abstract read
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Biomaterials translational, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Zhuangzhuang LiDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Minxun LuDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Shanfang ZouTianqi Additive Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Ruicheng LiuTianqi Additive Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Haoyuan LeiNational Engineering Research Centre for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Yitian WangDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Yuqi ZhangDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Yong ZhouDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Changchun ZhouNational Engineering Research Centre for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Yi LuoDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Li MinDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Chongqi TuDepartment of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Integrating 4D printing technology in medical implants offers promising advancements for minimally invasive delivery (MID) and personalized orthopedic solutions. This study presents a 4D-printed shape memory nickel-titanium (NiTi) mesh implant for cavitary bone defect reconstruction, enabling a time-dependent shape transformation. Fabricated through selective laser melting (80 W laser power, 600 mm/s scanning speed, 70 μm hatch spacing, 25 μm layer thickness), the implant can be compressed during implantation and recover its original shape. Micro-computed tomography analysis confirmed high geometric fidelity (D50 = 58 μm), while scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed a uniform microstructure and confirmed the homogeneous distribution of Ni/Ti across the mesh implant. Phase transformation testing showed that the austenite finish temperatures (austenite finish) of the as-built sample and the acid-washed sample were below the 37°C physiological threshold. Compression testing indicated that a force of 156 N was required for 30% deformation, with complete recovery to its pre-defined shape. Clinically, the implant reduced cortical bone fenestration by 20%. Post-operative imaging at 6 and 12 months showed excellent osseointegration and minimal residual cavities. Functional assessments at 12 months indicated excellent recovery, with a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 29. In the present study, the clinical use of the 4D-printed mesh implant demonstrated not only satisfactory osteointegration but also a practical advantage in surgical handling. The shape recovery of the implant from a compressed state to its pre-designed shape allowed for MID and precise fit to the defect contour.

Indexed as

4D printingMinimally invasive surgeryNickel–titanium alloyOrthopedic implantsSelective laser meltingShape memory effect

Identifiers

PMID42179769
PMCPMC13190106

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-SA
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.