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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Published on: August 4, 2020
Distal Phalangeal Replacement Using a Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Prosthesis: A Case Report
Daniel Penello1, Phillip Sussman2, Phillip Braunlich2
1Alexander Orthopaedic Associates, Largo, Florida.
Case:
A 38-year-old man developed a nonunion of a comminuted distal phalanx fracture, which resulted in gross instability of the fingertip. To restore stability, a patient-specific 3D-printed distal phalangeal prosthesis was implanted, and the patient was able to return to his occupation with excellent 2-year outcomes.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the application of 3D printing technology in the development of a patient-specific solution and discusses 6 important considerations for the design and planning process: Patient, Priorities, Point of fixation, Procedure, Problems, and People.
