Functionalization of 3D-printed titanium alloy orthopedic implants: a literature review.

3D-printed titanium alloy orthopedic implants combine the dual advantages of 3D printing and titanium alloys implants, which not only have complex structures that cannot be manufactured by traditional techniques, but also inherit the excellent physical and chemical properties of titanium and its alloys, so they are widely used in the field of orthopedics in recent years. The inherent porous structure of 3D-printed implants and the original modification processes of titanium alloys provide the conditions for the functionalization of implants. To meet the needs of orthopedic surgeons and patients, functionalized implants with the ability of long-term stability promotion, anti-infection or anti-tumor have been developed, in which various methods of functionalization deserve to be summarized, compared and analyzed. Therefore, in this review, we will collect the existing knowledge on functionalization of 3D-printed titanium alloy orthopedic implants and give our own opinion.