Recent Innovations and Applications of Custom 3D Printed Cages for Critical Bone Defects in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Critically sized bone defects remain a major challenge in orthopedic surgery. Conventional techniques, including the induced membrane technique, bulk allograft reconstruction, bone transport, and acute shortening, have inherent limitations. The advent of custom 3 dimensional printed implants has expanded reconstructive options, particularly in foot and ankle surgery. Patient-specific implant design enables more precise management of complex bone defects. Although long-term clinical data are limited, early outcomes are promising.