Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Orthopedic Trauma: Current Status and Future Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/healthecosoc.2026.10.01.5Keywords:
3D printing, additive manufacturing, orthopedic trauma, surgical planningAbstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a transformative force in orthopedic traumatology, facilitating a shift toward unprecedented levels of patient-centric care. This review provides a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in additive manufacturing and its clinical applications, emphasizing the technology's capacity to overcome intricate surgical obstacles. We offer a rigorous analysis of various 3D printing modalities integrated into orthopedic practice, specifically focusing on their utility in preoperative planning, high-fidelity surgical simulations, and the fabrication of patient-specific implants (PSIs) and personalized surgical guides. The scope of this review encompasses diverse anatomical regions, including trauma of the upper and lower extremities, as well as complex pelvic and spinal injuries. Current clinical evidence indicates that 3D-assisted interventions significantly optimize surgical workflow by reducing operative duration and intraoperative hemorrhage while enhancing the precision of fracture reduction and overall clinical prognosis. By synthesizing contemporary research and empirical data, this paper evaluates the current technological landscape and explores future trajectories. As these technologies continue to mature, 3D printing is poised to redefine surgical standards, fostering more personalized, efficient, and effective outcomes for trauma patients.
References
Beliën, H., Biesmans, H., Steenwerckx, A., Bijnens, E., Dierickx, C. (2017). Prebending of osteosynthesis plate using 3D printed models to treat symptomatic os acromiale and acromial fracture. J Exp Orthop. 4:34.
Bos, G. (2018). ISO 13485: 2003/2016—medical devices—quality management systems—requirements for regulatory purposes. In Handbook of Medical Device Regulatory Affairs in Asia (pp. 153-174). Jenny Stanford Publishing.
Javaid, M., & Haleem, A. (2018). Additive manufacturing applications in orthopaedics: a review. Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma, 9(3), 202-206.
Lal, H., Patralekh, MK. (2018). 3D printing and its applications in orthopaedic trauma: a technological marvel. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 9:260–8.
Ligon, SC., Liska, R., Stampfl, J., Gurr, M., Mülhaupt, R. (2017). Polymers for 3D printing and customized additive manufacturing. Chem Rev. 117:10212–90.
Morrison, R. J., Kashlan, K. N., Flanangan, C. L., Wright, J. K., Green, G. E., Hollister, S. J., & Weatherwax, K. J. (2015). Regulatory considerations in the design and manufacturing of implantable 3D‐printed medical devices. Clinical and translational science, 8(5), 594-600.
Xu, Y., Zhang, F., Zhai, W., Cheng, S., Li, J., Wang, Y. (2022). Unraveling of advances in 3D-printed polymer-based bone scaffolds. Polymers. 14:566.
Xu, SS., Yeh, TT., Chen, JE., Li, YT. (2023). Significantly reducing the presurgical preparation time for anterior pelvic fracture surgery by faster creating patient-specific curved plates. J Orthop Surg Res. 18:265.
Yang, L., Grottkau, B., He, Z., Ye, C. (2017). Three dimensional printing technology and materials for treatment of elbow fractures. Int Orthop. 41:2381–7.
You, W., Liu, LJ., Chen, HX., et al. (2016). Application of 3D printing technology on the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures (Neer3-part and 4-part) in old people. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 102:897–903.
Zamborsky, R., Kilian, M., Jacko, P., Bernadic, M., Hudak, R. (2019). Perspectives of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic surgery. Bratisl Lek Listy. 120:498–504.
Zang, CW., Zhang, JL., Meng, ZZ., et al. (2017). 3D printing technology in planning thumb reconstructions with second toe transplant. Orthop Surg. 9:215–20.
Zhang, H., Guo, HP., Xu, RD., Duan, SY., Liang, HR., Cai, ZC. (2024). Surgical treatment outcomes of acetabular posterior wall and posterior column fractures using 3D printing technology and individualized custom-made metal plates: a retrospective study. BMC Surg. 24:157.
