Abstract
The applications of 3D printing technology in health care, particularly orthopedics, continue to broaden as the technology becomes more advanced, accessible, and affordable worldwide. 3D printed models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans can reproduce a replica of anatomical parts that enable surgeons to get a detailed understanding of the underlying anatomy that he/she experiences intraoperatively. The 3D printed anatomic models are particularly useful for preoperative planning, simulation of complex orthopedic procedures, development of patient-specific instruments, and implants that can be used intraoperatively. This paper reviews the role of 3D printing technology in orthopedic surgery, specifically focusing on the role it plays in assisting surgeons to have a better preoperative evaluation and surgical planning.
Highlights
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly developing technology that has gained a wide range of practical applications in health care, especially in orthopedics [1]
3D printing technology has recently gained many applications in orthopedic surgery, its use is not widespread among orthopedic surgeons partially because of limited knowledge regarding the utilization of the technology
BioMed Research International design to be used in all circumstances. 3D printing technology gives us the advantage of producing patient-specific implants where the implants or prostheses are 3D printed for a specific user’s body limiting the concept of “one size fits all” for an average user [8,9,10,11,12,13]
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly developing technology that has gained a wide range of practical applications in health care, especially in orthopedics [1]. 3D printing technology has recently gained many applications in orthopedic surgery, its use is not widespread among orthopedic surgeons partially because of limited knowledge regarding the utilization of the technology. Orthopedic implants and prostheses that are massproduced at the factory level have a limited available size. The production of patient-specific orthopedic implants using 3D printing technology avoids the discomfort that arises from size mismatch and variations in the anatomy of certain individuals. The applications of 3D printing technology in health care, orthopedics, continue to broaden as the technology become more advanced, accessible, and affordable to every corner of the world. This review will present the role of 3D printing technology in orthopedic surgery, focusing on the role it plays in assisting surgeons to have better preoperative evaluation and planning
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