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3D Printed Orthopaedic External Fixation Devices: A Systematic Review.

Hunter A O'Connor1, Luke W Adams2, Lisa N MacFadden1

  • 1University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.

3D Printing in Medicine
|June 7, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers a promising approach to creating external fixators for complex fractures. While current studies show comparable strength and satisfactory patient outcomes, more research with standardized methods is needed.

Keywords:
3-dimensional printing3D printingExternal fixationFractureOrthopaedicsOrthopedicsStabilizationTrauma

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • External fixators are critical for stabilizing complex extremity fractures but are often costly and complex.
  • Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology presents an opportunity to innovate external fixation devices in orthopaedics.
  • This review focuses on the application of 3D printing in external fixation for orthopaedic trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize the existing literature on 3D printed external fixation devices.
  • To evaluate the current state of 3D printing applications in managing orthopaedic trauma fractures.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major online databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Scopus).
  • Studies were screened by two independent reviewers based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria for 3D printing and external fixation.
  • The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols.

Main Results:

  • Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing mechanical testing, computational simulations, feasibility, and clinical case studies.
  • 3D printed external fixators demonstrated mechanical strength comparable to traditional metal devices.
  • Clinical case studies involving five patients showed satisfactory fracture reduction, healing, and no reported complications.

Conclusions:

  • The current literature on 3D printed external fixators is heterogeneous, with varied designs and testing methodologies.
  • Advancements in 3D printed external fixation show promising clinical results in small-scale studies.
  • Further large-scale studies employing standardized testing and reporting are necessary to validate these findings.