Development trends of custom-made orthopedic implants.

Concepts for selection of the metallic materials and design required for the fabrication of custom-made orthopedic implants (osteosynthetic materials and prosthetic joints) and examples of methods for assessing the mechanical compatibility of bone plates are given to aid understanding of the possibility of producing custom-made orthopedic implants. Depending on the clinical case, there are problems in relation to production cost owing to situations in which the shape of the bone is altered to accommodate the implant. Therefore, there is potential for the development of custom-made orthopedic implants that optimally suit the patient's needs and bone structure, have practical uses, and are affordable.