Three-Dimensional Printing in Orthopaedic Surgery Technology and Clinical Applications

>> While 3-dimensional (3D) printing was developed in the 1980s, it has been adopted for medical applications more recently. >> There are several ways of creating a file that can be modeled and printed, including computer-aided design software, a 3D scanner, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files, and online libraries. >> The types of printers used for medical applications include fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and bioprinters. >> Orthopaedic applications include the generation of prosthetics and orthotics, intraoperative guides, patient-specific implants, and anatomic models for preoperative planning and education. >> The availability of 3D-printed anatomic models may enhance surgeons' preoperative planning and improve orthopaedic education with the generation of anatomic models. >> Children with an amputation or congenital limb differences, especially in communities with limited resources, can benefit from the increased access and diminished cost of 3D-printed prostheses. >> The clinical benefits of 3D-printed, custom arthroplasty implants are yet to be determined.