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Three-Dimensional Printing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review.
Adam J Bauermeister1, Alexander Zuriarrain, Martin I Newman
1From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|December 19, 2015
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers customizable solutions for plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS), improving patient outcomes and accessibility. This technology is revolutionizing implants, prosthetics, and tissue regeneration for diverse surgical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is becoming more affordable, enabling the creation of patient-specific surgical products.
- Potential applications include individualized implants, regenerative scaffolds, and tissue/organ replacement.
- 3D printing combined with volumetric analysis shows promise for accurate anthropomorphic reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review current literature and ongoing research on 3D printing applications in plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS).
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, along with news and university sources, using PRS and industry-related terms.
- Included articles directly studying or commenting on 3D printing in PRS.
- Two reviewers critically appraised and filtered 1092 identified articles, selecting 103 for review.
Main Results:
- 103 articles were reviewed, covering surgical planning (5), prosthetics (4), bone/craniofacial reconstruction (24), breast reconstruction (10), ear/nose/cartilage reconstruction (20), skin applications (20), and general topics (20).
- 3D printing facilitates the creation of complex, individualized implants.
- Significant applications exist in reconstructive surgery, prosthetics, and biologic/synthetic implants.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing enables the construction of complex, individualized implants, enhancing patient outcomes and economic feasibility.
- The technology improves accessibility, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings.
- 3D printing will significantly impact reconstruction for traumatic injuries, prosthetic development, and implant advancements.
