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Review
. 2021 Feb;14(1):1-8.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09691-3.

Three-Dimensional Printing in Orthopedics: from the Basics to Surgical Applications

Leandro Ejnisman  1 , Bruno Gobbato  2 , Andre Ferrari de França Camargo  3 , Eduardo Zancul  4
Affiliations
Review

Three-Dimensional Printing in Orthopedics: from the Basics to Surgical Applications

Leandro Ejnisman et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly evolving field traditionally utilized in non-medical industries. Recently, the medical use of AM is expanding, especially in orthopedics. The goal of this article is presenting the principles of AM and its main applications in orthopedics.

Recent findings: The main indications for AM in orthopedics are education, orthotics, surgical planning, surgical guides, and custom-made implants. Three-dimensional (3D) digital models can be obtained from tomographic scans using available free software. Then, it can be used to create a physical model, plan surgeries, or develop surgical guides which can aid the orthopedic surgeon during complex cases. Recent studies demonstrated the benefits of using printed models in educating patients and medical residents. Custom-made implants also have been evaluated with promising clinical outcomes. Using 3D technology has become a reality in orthopedics. Surgeons should expect exponential growth of its applications in the upcoming years. It is paramount that orthopedists get familiar with this disruptive technology.

Keywords: Anatomic models; Orthopedics; Surgery; Surgical guides; Three-dimensional models; Three-dimensional printing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
3D-printed custom-made orthosis (Hefesto Medtech, São Paulo, Brazil) used in developmental hip dysplasia
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
3D-printed model of a hip joint. The femur presents a cam deformity, typical of femoroacetabular impingement. This model was used to educate the patient about his disease and the correction procedure that would be performed. It also helped the surgeon to plan the correction
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Surgical 3D-printed guide used to perform an iliac osteotomy during a complex tumor resection of the acetabulum
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Custom-made implant used in the same case from Fig. 3. The whole acetabulum needed to be resected, and an acetabular component was designed to reconstruct the hip. A perfect fit with a 3D model of the patient’s pelvis is observed
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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