ABSTRACT
The musculoskeletal system includes four complex tissues: bones, cartilages, ligaments, and tendons. Due to the outstanding forces and movements this system supports, it oftentimes suffers injuries of variable severity. In most cases, the regeneration of these tissues is inadequate, leading to recurrent relapses. In this context, 3D printing tissue engineering happens to be a promising alternative. This chapter aims to gather the most recent studies on 3D printing for musculoskeletal system regeneration, highlighting the main cells and materials used, as well as the printing techniques. As a brief overview, inorganic materials are mostly used when reproducing the tissue’s mechanical properties, while organic materials better mimic a biological environment. Both differentiated and undifferentiated cells have been reported and extrusion 3D printing is the main technique since it is the most amiable for cell printing. For a successful transfer of the printed scaffolds to the clinic, some challenges will have to be overcome, such as the proper balance between mechanical and biological properties, achieving an adequate combination of growth factors, and the realization of increasingly complex structures.
