3D printing in rheumatology

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, revolutionises medicine by creating customised objects from digital models, layer by layer. In hospitals, technologies like Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), stereolithography, and laser powder bed fusion are used, each offering unique advantages. Materials range from biocompatible polymers for orthoses to metal alloys for implants. FDM printers are affordable and suitable for prototyping but lack precision. Stereolithography provides high resolution and biocompatibility, ideal for medical devices, though postprocessing is required. PolyJet technology produces high-quality, multicoloured parts but is costly, limiting its use to specialised settings. Applications include anatomical models for preoperative planning, surgical guides, custom orthoses, and implants, enhancing precision and patient outcomes. In education, 3D-printed models aid in training for complex procedures. Research explores regenerative medicine, such as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and drug delivery systems. In rheumatology, 3D printing shows potential for custom orthoses, educational tools, and bioprinting cartilage. However, adoption is limited by methodological, economic, and environmental barriers. Waste production, material strength, and cost remain challenges. Evidence is mostly observational, with few randomised trials. Future prospects include biocompatible materials, improved segmentation techniques, and smartphone-integrated modelling tools. Custom prostheses and 3D-printed medications offer personalised care but require rigorous safety and regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, although 3D printing holds significant promise for rheumatology and the broader medical field, its integration into clinical practice depends on stronger evidence, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable practices. Its development could be advanced through academic initiatives as well as through collaborations with 3D printing firms to conduct formal clinical trials.