Selective Laser Melting of Integrated Ti6Al4V ELI Permeable Walls for Controlled Drug Delivery of Vancomycin.

Bacteria colonizing the surface of orthopedic implants are responsible for most postoperative periprosthetic joint infections. A possible alternative route for drug delivery is described in this study by utilizing the bulk of the implant itself as a reservoir. Drug release is enabled by manufacturing of integrated permeable structures possessing high porosity through application of selective laser melting technology.