The use of three-dimensional printing technology in orthopaedic surgery
Tak Man Wong, Jimmy Jin, Tak Wing Lau, Christian Fang, Chun Hoi Yan, Kelvin Yeung, Michael To, Frankie Leung, Tak Man Wong, Jimmy Jin, Tak Wing Lau, Christian Fang, Chun Hoi Yan, Kelvin Yeung, Michael To, Frankie Leung
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3-D) printing or additive manufacturing, an advanced technology that 3-D physical models are created, has been wildly applied in medical industries, including cardiothoracic surgery, cranio-maxillo-facial surgery and orthopaedic surgery. The physical models made by 3-D printing technology give surgeons a realistic impression of complex structures, allowing surgical planning and simulation before operations. In orthopaedic surgery, this technique is mainly applied in surgical planning especially revision and reconstructive surgeries, making patient-specific instruments or implants, and bone tissue engineering. This article reviews this technology and its application in orthopaedic surgery.
Keywords: 3-D printing; additive manufacturing; patient-specific instruments and implants; surgical planning; tissue engineering.
Source: PubMed