Three‐dimensional printing in orthopaedic preoperative planning improves intraoperative metrics: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Three‐dimensional (3D) printing has seen increasing interest in surgery, where it improves the visualization of difficult anatomy in complex cases. This literature review investigates the benefits and limitations of 3D printed models in preoperative planning in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Methods A literature search was performed using the Ovid platform on the Embase and MEDLINE databases using the terms ‘3D printing’, ‘Orthopaedics’ and ‘Surgical Planning’. Studies using 3D printed models as a part of preoperative planning were included. All others were excluded. Data regarding the metrics used to assess the benefit of the use of 3D models, surgical outcome, and surgeon or patient opinion on the technology were extracted. Results A total of 41 studies resulted. Eight (19.5%) were case–control studies, the remainder were case reports or case series. Assessment of benefit was mostly subjective, although the case–control studies included objective metrics such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative fluoroscopy time. The use of 3D printing technology showed subjective benefit for both patient and surgeon as well as indicating clinically significant improvements in intraoperative metrics. Conclusion Despite the current absence of large scale trials, 3D printing has clear benefits in preoperative planning, particularly when utilized in complex cases. A streamlined workflow for case selection, in‐house model creation and preoperative rehearsals is still required to be developed before the process is ready for routine use. Evidence supports an improvement in intraoperative metrics and patient engagement but data to support improved clinical outcome is lacking.

The Wearable VOSTARS System for Augmented Reality-Guided Surgery: Preclinical Phantom Evaluation for High-Precision Maxillofacial Tasks

“…In the last two decades, new tools based on three-dimensional (3D) imaging and advanced digital technologies have become available to surgeons during pre-, intra-and postoperative phases of an intervention in the cranio-maxillofacial field [4][5][6][7][8], as well as in other surgical specialties, such as neurology, urology, vascular surgery, orthopedics [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

3D printing in shoulder surgery

“…Currently, limitations associated with this technology are mainly related to time required to create a 3D printed model and costs. 69 Hopefully, as 3D printing technology progresses both the cost and production time will likely be to reduce.…”

Biomodelos tridimensionales para el tratamiento quirúrgico de coaliciones astrágalo-calcáneas

“…La impresión 3D ha demostrado ser una herramienta valiosa en cirugías ortopédicas que implican una anatomía compleja como malformaciones congénitas, lesiones tumorales osteomioarticulares, fracturas de pelvis o periarticulares, patologías de columna, artroplastias de revisión y secuelas de trauma o infecciones. 9,10 Los biomodelos impresos en 3D pueden simplificar este ejercicio mental y proporcionar una representación realista, tangible y…”

“…De manera reciente, la utilización de impresiones 3D ha sido aplicada en diversas áreas y está jugando un papel cada vez más importante en la planificación de patologías ortopédicas complejas. 7,8 La utilización de esta tecnología en patologías del pie ha sido reportada por múltiples autores, [9][10][11][12] pero su aplicación en coaliciones tarsales ha sido mencionada escasamente. 13,14 El objetivo de este estudio es describir nuestra experiencia con el uso de la impresión tridimensional para la planificación preoperatoria de las CAC.…”