3D printing in orthopaedic surgery: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Aims The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed. Results Overall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications. Conclusion 3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):807–819.

3D-Printed Patient-Customized Artificial Vertebral Body for Spinal Reconstruction after Total En Bloc Spondylectomy of Complex Multi-Level Spinal Tumors

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Elbow hemiarthroplasty with a 3D-printed megaprosthesis for defects of the distal humerus or proximal ulna after tumour resection

“…[23][24][25][26] With the application of 3D-printing, we are now able to fabricate prostheses in any shape. 27,28 As the elbow joint is a complex articulation that could hardly be abstracted into a simple mechanical model, 3D-printing technique could produce a metal 'humerus' or 'ulna' with the same articular surface as that of the original bone, fulfilling the purpose of bionic reconstruction. In this paper, we share the preliminary results of elbow hemiarthroplasty in 13 patients who underwent reconstruction with a 3D-printed distal humeral or proximal ulnar megaprosthesis.…”

Virtual Scoliosis Surgery Using a 3D-Printed Model Based on Biplanar Radiographs

“…The global 3D-printing market is growing in the field of orthopedics and spine surgery [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Companies and surgeons are increasingly adopting 3D printing for custom or patient-specific implants [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Companies and surgeons are increasingly adopting 3D printing for custom or patient-specific implants [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. 3D printing is also becoming ever more popular for surgical planning [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] as well as for educational purposes.…”