Three Dimensional Printing: An Introduction for Orthopedic Surgeons

Three dimensional (3D) printing has progressed from an expensive laboratory curiosity to an easily accessible technology and can now be used as a cost-effective clinical tool in orthopedics. Anatomic models are easily produced from standard imaging that can enhance teaching opportunities, patient education, and complex surgical planning. For a surgeon, printing their own models can seem out of reach for numerous reasons. This review helps orthopedic surgeons understand the technology underlying 3D printing and how to get started making their own 3D prints of patient imaging data for teaching, patient education, surgical planning, and research.