Custom 3D implants for managing bone defects-indications and lessons learned

Bone defects and non-unions present some of the most complex challenges in trauma and orthopaedics, often necessitating prolonged and resource-intensive reconstruction. Custom 3D-printed implants offer a promising, anatomically tailored solution when conventional techniques are insufficient. Their safe and effective use requires meticulous patient selection, considering host status, soft tissue integrity, infection risk, and overall medical fitness of patients. A structured, multidisciplinary approach, including shared decision-making, comprehensive informed consent, and consideration for potential staged surgery is essential to optimise outcomes. High-quality, protocol-driven imaging, particularly weightbearing radiographs and detailed cross-sectional imaging is critical to achieve accurate implant design and successful implantation. Custom implant design is a patient-specific process built on close collaboration between the surgeon's clinical knowledge and the engineer's design experience.