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Objectives: To examine the clinical feasibility and results of a multidisciplinary workflow, employing rapid three-dimensional (3D) scanning and modeling software along with a high-speed printer, for in-hospital production of patient-specific 3D-printed casts, for the treatment of non-displaced wrist and hand fractures. Methods: Consenting adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to wrist or hand fractures between January and February 2021 were prospectively enrolled. The study participants underwent conversion of the standard plaster of Paris cast to a 3D-printed cast one week after the ED visit, and follow-up examinations were performed around two, six, and twelve weeks later. The primary objective was to examine the clinical feasibility in terms of complexity and length of the overall procedure. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported impressions and radiological results. Results: Twenty patients (16 males, mean age 37 ± 13.1 years) were included. The entire printing workflow took a mean of 161 ± 8 min. All patients demonstrated clinical improvement and fracture union at final follow-up, with no pressure sores or loss of reduction. Patient-reported comfort and satisfaction rates were excellent. The mean Visual Analog Scale was 0.9 ± 1.1 and 0.6 ± 1, and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 18.7 ± 9.5 and 7.6 ± 7.6 at 2 and 6 weeks after application of the 3D-printed cast, respectively. Conclusion: The in-hospital workflow was feasible and efficient, with excellent clinical and radiographic results and high patient satisfaction and comfort rates. Our medical center now routinely provides this cast option for non-displaced wrist and hand fractures. Level of evidence: IV, Therapeutic Study

Over the past four decades, advancements in adjuvant treatments of bone sarcomas have catalyzed development of novel surgical technologies that continue to improve limb salvage surgeries. To date, these technologies have made limb salvage surgery the mainstay of treatment, while limb amputations became negligible. These advancements include pre-and intra-operative imaging technologies enabling accurate 3D-preoperative planning, and intraoperative patient-specific instruments allowing accurate execution of surgical plans. The introduction of customized 3D-printed porous titanium implants gave surgeons more freedom to retain surrounding healthy tissue and optimize reconstruction fit, thereby improving quality of life and reducing comorbidities post-operatively. Creating these custom implants has brought forth novel processes, materials and technologies and given rise to a new era in orthopedic oncology.