Three-Dimensional Printed Custom Implants in Orthopaedic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers transformative solutions in medicine, particularly for complex orthopaedic cases.
• Standard implants are often insufficient for patients with severe bone loss or deformities.
• Custom 3D printed implants provide a viable alternative for challenging reconstructive needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the clinical and technical workflow for utilizing custom 3D printed implants in orthopaedic surgery.
• To serve as a guide for clinicians integrating 3D printed custom implants into practice.
• To expand treatment possibilities for patients requiring complex orthopaedic reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Detailed step-by-step protocol from patient evaluation to surgical implantation.
• Emphasis on high-resolution CT imaging and computer-aided design (CAD) for precision.
• Utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques like powder bed fusion and post-processing for quality assurance.

Main Results:

• Custom 3D printed implants offer significant advantages in customization, surgical planning, and functional restoration.
• Early results show promise for improved patient outcomes in complex orthopaedic cases.
• The protocol addresses critical considerations like patient selection and collaborative design.

Conclusions:

• Custom 3D printed implants represent a significant advancement in orthopaedic surgery for complex cases.
• Continued research is needed to address limitations such as cost and long-term outcome data.
• This protocol facilitates the integration of 3D printed implants, enhancing reconstructive capabilities.