Three-Dimensional Printing in Pediatric Orthopaedics: Cost Analysis and Emerging Applications

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has become an established adjunct in orthopaedic surgery. Its integration into planning, education, and intraoperative execution has evolved from isolated case reports to measurable clinical outcomes. Recent research highlights reductions in operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure when three-dimensional printed guides or models are used, with the clearest benefits in deformity correction and spinal instrumentation. Applications now extend to patient-specific instruments, custom implants, and orthotic fabrication. Emerging work on biodegradable metals and porous or lattice structures signals a move toward biologically integrated implants. While clinical data support 3DP's utility for understanding complex anatomy, the quality of evidence varies, and standardization remains limited. This review summarizes the technical workflow, current clinical evidence, and practical implications of 3DP in pediatric orthopaedic practice.

(1)Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years, becoming an important tool in medicine.(2)Through the use of 3DP, complex orthopaedic models can easily and quickly be created resulting in reduced preoperative planning.(3)3D printed anatomic patient models have increased aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes in plastic surgery procedures.