Chapter 47 - 3D printing in orthopedic trauma

Abstract

Rapid development and popularity of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, has inspired orthopedic trauma surgeons to apply this to nearly all anatomical areas. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data of trauma patients, can be used for manufacturing graspable objects from 3D reconstructed images. Patient-specific anatomical models of normal, as well as injured body parts, can, therefore, be created. They help to enhance surgeons' knowledge of their patients' precise pathomorphology, regarding both injured bones and soft tissue, as well as normal areas on the contralateral side in limb injuries, and therefore, help in precise preoperative planning. 3D printed patient-specific instrumentation allows to achieve precise implant placement and better surgical results. Most importantly, customized implants, casts, orthoses, and prosthetics can be made to match an individual patient's anatomy. 3D printing, also called as “additive manufacturing” and “rapid prototyping,” has been considered as the “second industrial revolution,” and this appears to be especially true for orthopedic trauma surgery.