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In this work a new generation of bioceramic personalized implants were developed. This technique combines the processes of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) and combustion synthesis (CS) to create personalized bioceramic implants with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA). These porous bioceramics will be used to fill the tibial bone gap created by the opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). A freeform fabrication with three-dimensional printing (3DP) technique was used to fabricate a metallic mold with the same shape required to fill the gap in the opening wedge osteotomy. The mold was subsequently used in a CS process to fabricate the personalized ceramic implants with TCP and HA compositions. The mold geometry was designed on commercial 3D CAD software. The final personalized bioceramic implant was produced using a CS process. This technique was chosen because it exploits the exothermic reaction between P₂O₅ and CaO. Also, chemical composition and distribution of pores in the implant could be controlled. To determine the chemical composition, the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of the implant, cylindrical shapes were also fabricated using different fabrication parameters. Chemical composition was performed by X-ray diffraction. Pore size and pore interconnectivity was measured and analyzed using an electronic microscope system. Mechanical properties were determined by a mechanical testing system. The porous TCP and HA obtained have an open porous structure with an average 400 µm channel size. The mechanical behavior shows great stiffness and higher load to failure for both ceramics. Finally, this personalized ceramic implant facilitated the regeneration of new bone in the gap created by OWHTO and provides additional strength to allow accelerated rehabilitation.

Surgeons who perform abdominoplasties today typically use one of three general approaches: a horizontal incision through which it is possible to deal with the ptotic and excess skin in the transverse dimension, a vertical resection that allows access for treating the horizontal excess skin at the level of the waist, or certain techniques that deal with both the transverse and horizontal excess. However, these techniques leave operative scars that prevent the patient from wearing a high-cut bathing suit or high-cut underwear. The abdominoplasty described in this article combines the advantages of the horizontal and vertical techniques. Although a vertical component to the scar is unavoidable in certain cases, the procedure respects the need to limit incisions to sites where they will not be visible when the patient wears a high-cut bathing suit.

The author of the total dermoglandular pedicle mammaplasty discusses the controversy concerning the length of the incisions to be used in mammaplasties. He geometrically compares the scars of pre-established drawings with those obtained by trimming incisions at the end of the operation and draws interesting conclusions about the two approaches.

Based on his experience of 1,500 bilateral reduction mammaplasties using the total dermoglandular pedicle technique, the author defines the particular features of this operation. He briefly summarises the various steps of the technique and reviews the essential points by analysing them, comparing them and giving useful tips.