Fig. 2

Diagram illustrating the overall research methodology, from the initial surgery planning to the mechanical evaluation of the manufactured plates. The process begins with the custom plate design, incorporating parameters such as localization on the bone, geometry, thickness… The designed plate is then manufactured using 3D printing, where biomaterial selection, printing speed, and layer height are critical factors. After fabrication, the plates undergo sterilization, with parameters such as temperature, gas type, pressure, and exposure time considered. Subsequently, the PLGA structure and geometry are analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and micro-CT scan to assess material properties and potential alterations. The mechanical response of the plates is then evaluated through tensile tests and compared to a standard resorbable plate. The iterative nature of the process allows adjustments at various stages to optimize the final design.