Fused Deposition Modeling Of Pla Acetabular Liners: A Review Of Manufacturing Parameters, Degradation Mitigation, And Future Prospects

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Published: Mar 26, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/anvi.v28.6726
Keywords:
Acetabular liner; Total hip arthroplasty; Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM); Polylactic acid (PLA); PLA composites; Hydrolytic degradation; Wear and osteolysis; Functionally graded materials; 4D printing; Patient specific implants

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Mukesh Kumar, Shobhit Srivastava Jasvinder Singh

Abstract

The sustainability of using modified polylactic acid (PLA) produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM) for acetabular liner cup applications in total hip replacement is examined in this work. The study compares PLA with traditional liner materials like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), PEEK, and metals in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical performance, wear, and degradability. It builds on a thorough analysis of additive manufacturing technologies, biomedical FDM applications, and current acetabular liner standards. The review highlights the shortcomings of unmodified PLA, particularly its hydrolytic degradation and inadequate fatigue resistance for permanent load-bearing hip bearings, and explains why compression moulded UHMWPE is still the clinical gold standard, especially with regard to long-term wear and osteolysis. In order to improve the strength, wear resistance, and degradation kinetics of FDM printed PLA components, the paper synthesizes evidence on composite strategies (carbon fiber, graphene, and hydroxyapatite reinforcements), crystallinity control through annealing, surface coatings, and polymer blending (e.g., PLA/PCL). The analysis indicates that while maintaining the benefits of FDM for patient-specific, economical manufacture, reinforced and treated PLA can attain mechanical characteristics and tribological behaviour closer to orthopedic criteria. The study concludes by outlining future options, such as the possibility of 4D printed, shape-morphing liners that adjust to patient anatomy and loading over time, functionally graded PLA-based liners with spatially tailored stiffness, and long-term in vivo evaluation of modified PLA constructs.

Article Details

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Vol. 28 No. 7s (2025)
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