3D printing in hand surgery.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology in various medical fields.
• Its application in hand surgery is still in the early stages of development.
• The potential benefits include advancements in research, surgical training, and patient-specific treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the current status and future potential of 3D printing in hand surgery.
• To highlight the advantages and challenges associated with adopting this technology.
• To emphasize the importance of surgeon proficiency in 3D printing processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on 3D printing applications in hand surgery.
• Analysis of the benefits and limitations of 3D printing compared to conventional techniques.
• Discussion of the implications for surgeons regarding skill acquisition and potential reliance on external expertise.

Main Results:

• 3D printing presents novel opportunities for research, education, and personalized medicine in hand surgery.
• The superiority of 3D printed surgical applications over established methods has not yet been conclusively demonstrated.
• Surgeons need to develop expertise in 3D printing to maintain autonomy.

Conclusions:

• While 3D printing holds promise for hand surgery, its clinical advantages require further validation.
• Surgeons must acquire comprehensive knowledge of 3D printing and manufacturing to leverage its benefits effectively.
• Avoiding over-reliance on engineers and companies is crucial for independent adoption of 3D printing in surgical practice.