Custom-Made 3D-Printed Implants as Novel Approach to Reconstructive Surgery after Oncologic Resection in Pediatric...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Custom-made 3D-printed prostheses are established for adult limb salvage but lack pediatric application data.
• Skeletal tumors in pediatric patients necessitate innovative reconstructive solutions for bony defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the use and outcomes of custom-made 3D-printed implants for bony defect reconstruction in pediatric patients undergoing limb salvage surgery.
• To evaluate functional results and complications associated with these novel prostheses in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• A series of 11 pediatric patients (mean age 10.8 years) with skeletal tumors received custom 3D-printed implants.
• Patients were followed up every 3 months, with functional outcomes assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS).
• Osseointegration and complications were monitored throughout the follow-up period (mean 25.7 months).

Main Results:

• Partial osseointegration between implants and host bone occurred within a mean of 4 months.
• The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score at final follow-up was 75%.
• Three patients experienced soft tissue complications, and one required device removal due to infection.

Conclusions:

• Custom 3D-printed prostheses are a viable option for pediatric limb salvage surgery, demonstrating potential for osseointegration.
• These implants may offer biological advantages, including integration with host bone and potential use with vascularized flaps.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term benefits and optimize the application of 3D-printed prostheses in pediatric oncology.