The Emerging Roles for 3 Dimensional Printing in Orthopedics: Applications, Evidence, and Future Directions

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has made the leap from fringe technology to routine in orthopedic surgery. Anatomic models are easily produced from standard imaging. Patient-specific prints for surgical planning, cutting guides, and durable medical equipment now can be produced in-house. Custom patient-specific instrumentation and even implants are now routinely available through commercial suppliers. Advantages include decreasing operative time, reducing radiation exposure, and limiting complications in complex cases. Operating-room savings can easily offset the capital cost of printers. This review explores the current landscape of 3D printing for patient care in orthopedic surgery and guidance on a path toward hospital-based point-of-care printing.