Three-Dimensional Printing of Bone Structures: Evaluation of Heat Resistance in Anatomical Models for Replacement in Elderly Victims of Fractures ^†

Introduction: Three-dimensional printing in healthcare is emerging as a promising alternative for personalized therapies, enabling the development of prosthetics and anatomical models capable of assisting in clinical and surgical treatments. Understanding its resistance under extreme conditions is essential to validate its use in medical practices, especially in the treatment of fractures in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the thermal behavior of anatomical parts produced by 3D printing, subjected to different temperature levels, from physiological conditions to high-temperature scenarios. Methodology: This is an experimental, descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, approved by the CEUB Research Ethics Committee without a waiver of review. The work included input selection, image acquisition, digital modeling, printing with GTMAX 3D Core H4 equipment, and thermal resistance testing according to NBR 5.739/1994 standard [1]. The tests were conducted in a Q318S25T muffle furnace with gradual temperature variation, and the results were systematized in explanatory tables. Results: The femur models withstood temperatures up to 108.3 °C without apparent changes; at 150 °C, three smaller samples began to melt at their bases between 8 and 13 min, possibly due to the material’s porosity; at 200 °C, the softening and deformation of the larger piece were observed. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the thermal resistance of 3D printed parts is limited, reinforcing the need for further investigation to improve their durability and expand their applicability in the treatment of elderly patients.