Conceptual evolution of 3D printing in orthopedic surgery and traumatology: from “do it yourself” to “point of care manufacturing”

Abstract

Background 3D printing technology in hospitals facilitates production models such as point-of-care manufacturing. Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology is the specialty that can most benefit from the advantages of these tools. The purpose of this study is to present the results of the integration of 3D printing technology in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology and to identify the productive model of the point-of-care manufacturing as a paradigm of personalized medicine. Methods Observational, descriptive, retrospective and monocentric study of a total of 623 additive manufacturing processes carried out in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology from November 2015 to March 2020. Variables such as product type, utility, time or materials for manufacture were analyzed. Results The areas of expertise that have performed more processes are Traumatology, Reconstructive and Orthopedic Oncology. Pre-operative planning is their primary use. Working and 3D printing hours, as well as the amount of 3D printing material used, vary according to the type of product or material delivered to perform the process. The most commonly used 3D printing material for manufacturing is polylactic acid, although biocompatible resin has been used to produce surgical guides. In addition, the hospital has worked on the co-design of customized implants with manufacturing companies. Conclusions The integration of 3D printing in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology allows identifying the conceptual evolution from “Do-It-Yourself” to “POC manufacturing”.

Vital Role of In-House 3D Lab to Create Unprecedented Solutions for Challenges in Spinal Surgery, Practical Guidelines and Clinical Case Series

“…Visual models can be printed in-house, quickly obtaining a better insight into patient anatomy. This allows us to accelerate the iterative steps in the design process and shorten the lead time from scan to surgery [ 35 , 36 ].…”

Intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in treating type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

“…Therefore, the learning curve may be steeper and longer for some surgeons. It is noteworthy that in recent years, with the development of 3D-printing technology, young doctors can shorten the learning curve by simulating surgery on 3D models to become familiar with the surgical skill[ 19 ].…”

Application of 3-dimensional printing implants for bone tumors

“…Before arthroplasty for severely destructive or deformative joints, bone modeling provides direct visualization of bone defects or deformities and opportunities for simulated surgery, including bone reaming and implant sizing and positioning. [23][24][25][26][27] In orthopedic oncology, 3D-printed models are also used for direct visualization via the creation of bone and tumor models. 13,28,29) However, virtual modeling is more common than real 3D-printed models and is utilized to design PSI and custommade implants (Graphical abstract).…”