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The Role of 3D Custom Implants in Upper Extremity Surgery
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGovern Medical School/University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; and.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|March 19, 2024
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in upper extremity surgery for planning, guides, and custom implants in trauma and tumor cases. While long-term data is limited, 3D printing shows significant promise for complex orthopedic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is advancing, leading to wider adoption in clinical practice.
- Upper extremity surgery presents complex challenges in trauma, malunions, and bone defects requiring innovative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current and emerging applications of 3D printing in upper extremity surgery.
- To highlight the benefits of 3D printing in preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and custom implant creation.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on 3D printing applications in orthopedic surgery, focusing on the upper extremity.
- Analysis of case studies and technological advancements in 3D-printed models, guides, and implants.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed models enhance spatial understanding and implant contouring for complex trauma and malunions.
- Custom surgical guides facilitate precise osteotomies and arthroplasty implant placement.
- Custom 3D implants address bone loss in the upper extremity, including articular defects, with promising outcomes.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing offers versatile solutions for preoperative planning, intraoperative assistance, and reconstructive surgery in the upper extremity.
- While long-term data for 3D implants is still developing, the technology demonstrates substantial potential for challenging orthopedic indications.
