Clinical application of individualized 3D-printed navigation template to children with cubitus varus deformity

Advancements and applications of 3D printing in pediatric orthopedics: A comprehensive review

Preoperative planning is crucial for successful surgical outcomes. 3D printing technology has revolutionized surgical planning by enabling the creation and manufacturing of patient-specific models and instruments. This review explores the applications of 3D printing in pediatric orthopedics, focusing on image acquisition, segmentation, 3D model creation, and printing techniques within specific applications, including pediatric limb deformities, pediatric orthopedic oncology, and pediatric spinal deformities. 3D printing simultaneously enhances surgical precision while reducing operative time, reduces complications, and improves patient outcomes in various pediatric orthopedic conditions. 3D printing is a transformative technology in pediatric orthopedics, offering significant advantages in preoperative planning, surgical execution, and postoperative care.

Clinical added value of 3D printed patient-specific guides in orthopedic surgery (excluding knee arthroplasty): a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Patient-specific guides (PSGs) provide customized solutions and enhanced precision. However, the question remains: does clinical evidence support the added value of PSGs? This study critically appraises, summarizes, and compares the literature to assess the clinical value of PSGs in orthopedic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase were used to search for studies reporting on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of PSGs with a control group for an orthopedic intervention, excluding knee arthroplasty. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). The clinical value was expressed as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, accuracy, surgery duration, blood loss, and radiation exposure. Relative and absolute differences were determined, and whether these were negative or positive for using PSGs.

RESULTS

From 6310 studies, 27 RCTs were included, covering various interventions. The studies' heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. Six (22.2%) of the included articles scored low risk of bias. Significant differences in the benefit of PSGs were reported across all included metrics: 32.2% in PROMs, 22.7% in complications, 69.8% in accuracy, 42.1% in surgery duration, 46.7% in blood loss, and 93.3% in radiation exposure. No significant negative differences were found in any of the studies.

CONCLUSION

PSGs generally show superior outcomes for accuracy and radiation exposure across multiple intervention types, while the reduction in complications was primarily significant in spinal fusion surgery. For PROMs, complications in other treatments, surgery duration, and blood loss, there may be clinical added value but future well-designed RCTs are needed to provide stronger evidence.

Comparing the outcomes between conventional osteotomy and with the adjunct use of 3-dimensional printing in paediatric deformity osteotomy correction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent advancements in medical technology have introduced three-dimensional (3D) printing as a promising adjunct to conventional osteotomy. This review aims to evaluate the clinical, radiological outcomes and complications of patients who underwent conventional osteotomy compared to osteotomy with the adjunct use of 3D printing in paediatric deformity correction. The review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The current study searched from inception to April 2023. All studies that compared outcomes between conventional osteotomy and osteotomy with the adjunct use of 3D printing in paediatric deformity correction in both upper and lower limbs were included. A total of 13 publications with 482 patients were included in this review. In terms of intraoperative parameters, the 3D group had a shorter operative time by 21.3 min [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.92-26.85] and less radiation exposure of -3.42 times (95% CI: -4.57 to -2.28). For radiological outcomes, 3D group had a smaller mean osteotomy error of -2.03 degrees (95% CI: -3.84 to -0.22) and 1.94 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.08-3.48) of having better radiological outcomes. The conventional osteotomy group has possibly a 1.4 risk (95% CI: 0.32-1.59) of growth plate, articular or risk of avascular necrosis compared to 3D templated group. The findings of this meta-analysis support the use of 3D printing as an adjunct in paediatric deformity correction for better intraoperative outcomes, reduce radiation exposure and better radiological accuracy in both upper and lower limb surgery.

A review of novel methods to assist digital planning and execution of osteotomy for upper limb deformities

Corrective osteotomy for upper limb deformities caused by fractures, trauma, or degeneration necessitates detailed preoperative planning to ensure accurate anatomical alignment, restore limb length, and correct angular deformities. This review evaluates the effectiveness of a three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning program and an image fusion system designed for intraoperative guidance during corrective osteotomy procedures. The application processes and clinical outcomes observed with these technologies in various surgical scenarios involving the upper extremities were summarized. The systems proved beneficial in allowing surgeons to visualize surgical steps and optimize implant placement. However, despite these technological advancements, we found no significant impact on clinical outcomes compared to conventional methods. This indicates a need for further enhancements in system efficiency and user-friendliness to significantly improve patient results. Future developments should focus on addressing these limitations to enhance the practical utility of such advanced systems.

Computer aided multiplanar osteotomy using patient specific instrumentation to treat cubitus varus in children

Cubitus varus deformity is a common complication of supracondylar fractures in children. Anatomic correction is the key to obtaining good functional results and avoiding later symptomatic degradation. Different techniques have been described, mainly lateral closing wedge osteotomy. A medial opening wedge osteotomy seems more intuitive, allowing an anatomic reduction, but it is technically challenging. Two-plane radiographs are too simplistic to appreciate the 3D deformity. With medical imaging and image processing advances, three-dimensional (3D) virtual models of a patient's anatomy can be generated. Rapid 3D printing has allowed virtual simulations of surgical corrections to be transferred to real-world applications in the operating room, allowing more precise and accurate surgery with better 3D corrections. 3D computer modeling with the development of customized drilling and cutting guides allows complex medial opening wedge osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus deformity in immature children with best-fit plate synthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Three-dimensional-printing-guided preoperative planning of upper and lower extremity pediatric orthopedic surgeries: A systematic review of surgical outcomes

Purpose

Three-dimensional printing has evolved into a cost-effective and accessible tool. In orthopedic surgery, creating patient-specific anatomical models and instrumentation improves visualization and surgical accuracy. In pediatric orthopedics, three-dimensional printing reduces operating time, radiation exposure, and blood loss by enhancing surgical efficacy. This review compares outcomes of three-dimensional printing-assisted surgeries with conventional surgeries for upper and lower extremity pediatric surgeries.

Methods

A complete search of medical literature up to August 2023, using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Broad search terms included "pediatrics," "orthopedic," and "3D-printing." Eligible studies were assessed for intraoperative time, blood loss, and fluoroscopy exposure.

Results

Out of 3299 initially identified articles, 14 articles met inclusion criteria. These studies included 409 pediatric patients, with ages averaging 9.51 years. The majority were retrospective studies (nine), with four prospective and one experimental study. Studies primarily utilized three-dimensional printing for navigation templates and implants. Results showed significant reductions in operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure with three-dimensional printing. Complication occurrences were generally lower in three-dimensional printing surgeries, but there was no statistical significance.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional printing is an emerging technology in the field of orthopedics, and it is primarily used for preoperative planning. For pediatric upper and lower extremity surgeries, three-dimensional printing leads to decreased operating room time, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and reduced radiation exposure. Other uses for three-dimensional printing include education, patient communication, the creation of patient-specific instrumentation and implants.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Three-dimensional corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity using patient-matched instruments

Background

Various methods of two or three-dimensional (3D) corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity have been reported. However, whether 3D correction of cubitus varus deformity is necessary is controversial because of technical difficulties and surgical complications. This study introduced 3D simulations and printing technology for corrective osteotomy against cubitus varus deformities. Moreover, recent studies on the application of these technologies were reviewed.

Methods

The amount of 3D deformity was calculated based on the difference in 3D shape between the affected side and the contralateral normal side. Patient-matched instruments were created to perform the actual surgery as simulated. Further, a 3D corrective osteotomy was performed using patient-matched instruments for cubitus varus deformity in pediatric and adolescent patients. The humerus-elbow-wrist angle, tilting angle, and elbow ranges of motion were evaluated.

Results

Humerus-elbow-wrist angle and tilting angle were corrected from -21° to 14° and from 30° to 43°, respectively, in the pediatric patient and from -18° to 10° and from 20° to 40°, respectively, in the adolescent patient. The elbow flexion and extension angles changed from 130° to 140° and from 20° to 10°, respectively, in the pediatric patient and from 120° to 130° and from 15° to 0°, respectively, in the adolescent patient.

Conclusion

The 3D computer simulations and the use of patient-matched instruments for cubitus varus deformity are reliable and can facilitate an accurate and safe correction. These technologies can simplify the complexity of 3D surgical procedures and contribute to the standardization of treatment for cubitus varus deformity.

The Role of 3D Custom Implants in Upper Extremity Surgery

SUMMARY

As the technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing becomes more refined and accessible, multiple applications of its use are becoming more commonplace in upper extremity surgery. 3D-printed models have been beneficial in preoperative planning of complex cases of acute trauma or malunions, contributing to spatial understanding or even contouring of implants. Custom guides can also be created to assist intraoperatively with precise placement of osteotomies or arthroplasty implants. Finally, custom 3D implants have been described for cases of bone loss in the upper extremity. This can be for relatively small gaps after malunion correction or extensive defects, typically for trauma or tumor. Articular defects can also be addressed with this technology, although special considerations should be given to the implant design and longevity in these situations. Because of the relatively recent nature of 3D implants, long-term data are lacking. However, they show great promise in an expanding range of challenging clinical indications.

Preoperative Three-Dimensional Planning of Screw Length is not Reliable in Osteotomies of the Humerus and Forearm

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric upper extremity fractures are seen frequently and sometimes lead to malunion. Three-dimensional (3D) surgery planning is an innovative addition to surgical treatment for the correction of post-traumatic arm deformities. The detailed planning in three dimensions allows for optimization of correction and provides planning of the exact osteotomies which include the advised material for correction and fixation. However, no literature is available on the precision of this computerized sizing of implants and screws. This study aimed to investigate the differences between 3D planned and surgically implanted screws in patients with a corrective osteotomy of the arm.

METHODS

Planned and implanted screw lengths were evaluated in patients who underwent a 3D planned corrective osteotomy of the humerus or forearm using patient-specific 3D printed drill- and sawblade guides. Postoperative information on implanted hardware was compared to the original planned screw lengths mentioned in the 3D planned surgery reports.

RESULTS

Of the 159 included screws in 17 patients, 45% differed >1 mm from the planned length (P<0.001). Aberrant screws in the radius and ulna were often longer, while those in the humerus were often shorter. Most aberrant screws were seen in the proximity of the elbow joint.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that 3D-planned screws in corrective osteotomies of the humerus and forearm differ significantly from screw lengths used during surgery. This illustrates that surgeons should be cautious when performing osteotomies with 3D techniques and predefined screw sizes.

Clinical application of 3D printing-assisted patient-specific instrument osteotomy guide in stiff clubfoot: preliminary findings

BACKGROUND

The orthopedic treatment of the stiff clubfoot is challenging for clinicians, and the purpose of this study was to explore the preliminary findings of 3D printing-assisted patient-specific instrument (PSI) osteotomy guide for use in the orthopedic treatment of the stiff clubfoot.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 20 patients (25 feet) with stiff clubfoot admitted from December 2018 to June 2022, including 13 males (16 feet) and 7 females (9 feet), aged 24-52 years, mean 40.15 years; 8 left feet, 7 right feet, 5 bipedal. All patients underwent triple arthrodesis and were divided into 10 cases (12 feet) in the PSI group (n = 12) and 10 cases (13 feet) in the conventional surgery group (n = 13) according to the surgical approach. The duration of surgery and the number of radiation exposures were recorded in all cases, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and International Congenital Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring systems were applied postoperatively to assess the effect of corrective treatment. All measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and differences between groups were determined by Student's t test. All count data between the two groups were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test analysis.

RESULTS

All 20 patients (25 feet) were followed up for 1 year. No major complications related to osteotomy, such as overcorrection, incomplete correction, or bone nonunion, were observed in the PSI and conventional surgery groups at the final follow-up, and the PSI group had the advantage of shorter operative time (P < 0.01), less radiation exposure (P < 0.01), and higher excellent rate compared with the conventional surgery group. The AOFAS score (P > 0.05) and ICFSG score (P > 0.05) at the last follow-up were not statistically significant in both groups, but the excellent rate at the last follow-up was 91.7% in the PSI group which was significantly higher than that of the conventional surgery group at 76.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of 3D printing-assisted PSI osteotomy guide in orthopedic surgery for stiff clubfoot offers a safe and effective surgical tool for triple joint fusion treatment. This technology simplifies surgical procedures, minimizes intraoperative radiation exposures, reduces surgical time, and enables precise and personalized treatment.

Resection for malignant tumors in the elbow and individualized reconstruction under assistance of 3D printing technology: A case report

RATIONALE

With a high failure rate and multiple postoperative complications, the resection for tumors in the elbow and reconstruction present a formidable challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The maturation of 3-dimension (3D) printing technology has facilitated the preoperative design, intraoperative navigation, and reconstruction of bone defects in patients with complex malignant tumors of the elbow joint. In order to improve prognosis, we explored a method of tumor resection and elbow reconstruction aided by 3D printing technology in this research.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient underwent nephrectomy for clear cell carcinoma of the left kidney 3 years ago. Six months ago, the patient presented with limited movement and lateral tenderness in the right elbow joint. The tumor puncture biopsy demonstrated renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis.

DIAGNOSES

Renal clear cell carcinoma with distal humerus bone metastasis.

INTERVENTIONS

Thin-layer CT scan data of the patient was acquired, and a 3D reconstruction of both upper limb bones and joints was conducted, followed by a simulation of diseased tissue excision. According to the model, individualized osteotomy guidelines and elbow prostheses were designed and manufactured. Then, prior to the completion of the actual operation, a simulation of the preoperative phase was performed.

OUTCOMES

The operation was completed without incident. At the 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative examinations, both the position and mobility of the prosthesis were found to be satisfactory, and no complications were observed. The hospital for special surgery score and mayo elbow performance score scores increased in comparison to the preoperative period.

LESSONS

For patients with complex tumors in the elbow joint, 3D printing technology may assist in the precise excision of the tumor and provide an individualized elbow joint prosthesis that is more precise and effective than traditional surgery. It can accomplish a satisfactory treatment effect for patients when combined with early postoperative scientific rehabilitation training, so it is a method worth promoting.

Guided Growth for the Treatment of Cubitus Varus in Children: Medium- to Long-Term Results

Correction of cubitus varus is commonly attempted through supracondylar humeral osteotomy. We hypothesized that lateral distal humeral hemiepiphysiodesis (LDHH) could be used to gradually correct this deformity in children. We conducted a retrospective study including all patients who underwent LDHH with the eight-Plate system between 2008 and 2018, with a minimum 4-year follow-up. We collected demographic, fracture-related, pre- and postoperative clinical (carrying angle (CA), ROM), and radiological data (humeral-ulnar angle (HUA), Baumann angle (BA), shaft-condylar angle (SCA), lateral capitellohumeral angle (LCHA)), as well as data on complications and satisfaction at last follow-up. Fifteen patients were included, with a median follow-up of 81 (64–103) months. All the variables had improved significantly as follows: CA −16 (−18 to −9)°, HUA −16 (−19 to −12)°, BA −11 (−17 to −7)°, SCA 7.5 (3.3 to 13.8)°, LCHA −4.8 (−6.8 to 0.6), flexion 10 (0 to 24)°, and extension 10 (0 to 10)°. The annual correction rate in terms of HUA was 2.41° (1.9 to 3.2). There were 5 cases of aseptic screw loosening, 4 of them requiring replacement, without relation to age at surgery (p = 0.324). Most patients (86.67%) were satisfied, and a relationship was found with younger age at surgery (p = 0.037). In conclusion, preliminary results show that LDHH with the eight-Plate system is an effective technique for mild to moderate cubitus varus deformity correction in children. Patients should be advised of the relatively long duration of implant retention and the possibility of reoperation for screw replacement or implant removal.

Application of 3D printed patient-specific instruments in the treatment of large tibial bone defects by the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis

Background

The Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis is an effective treatment for tibia defect. However, repeated attempts to reduce due to the complexity of the bone defect during the operation will increase the operation time and iatrogenic injury, and excessive radiation exposure. Three-dimensional (3D)-printed patient-specific instrument (PSI) for preoperative 3D planning and intraoperative navigation have the advantages of accuracy and visualization. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether 3D-printed PSI is helpful to correct tibial bone defects accurately and effectively.

Method

From May 2019 to September 2022, 19 patients with tibial bone defects were treated, including 9 males and 10 females, aged 37 to 64 years. There were 4 cases in proximal tibia, 9 in midshaft tibia and 6 in distal tibia. All were treated with Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis. 3D-printed PSI was used in 9 cases, while traditional surgery was used in 10 cases. All patients underwent computed tomography before surgery. Computer software was used to analyze the measurement results, design and print PSI. During the operation, PSI was used to assist in reduction of tibia. Operation times were recorded in all cases, the number of fluoroscopy during the operation, and the varus/valgus, anteversion/reversion angle after the operation were measured. All measurement data were expressed by means ± SD, and Student's t test was used to examine differences between groups. The chi square test or Fisher's precise test was used to compare the counting data of the two groups.

Result

All PSI matched well with the corresponding tibia bone defect, and were consistent with the preoperative plan and intraoperative operation. The affected limb had a good reduction effect. The operation time from the beginning of PSI installation to the completion of Ilizarov ring fixator installation was 31.33 ± 3.20 min, while that in the traditional operation group was 64.10 ± 6.14 min (p < 0.001). The times of fluoroscopy in the PSI group during operation was 10.11 ± 1.83, and that in the traditional operation group was 27.60 ± 5.82. The reduction effect of tibia in PSI group was better than that in traditional operation group, with the average angle of PSI group is 1.21 ± 0.24°, and that of traditional operation group is 2.36 ± 0.33° (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The PSI simplifies procedures, reduces the difficulty of the operation, improves the accuracy of the operation, and provides a good initial position when used in distraction osteogenesis to treat the tibial defects.

3D accuracy and clinical outcomes of corrective osteotomies with patient-specific instruments in complex upper extremity deformities: an approach for investigation and correlation

Background

Corrective osteotomies of the upper extremities with patient-specific instruments (PSIs) are increasingly used. In this context, the concordance between planning and postoperative 3D radiographs as well as the association between 3D accuracy and clinical outcome has rarely been evaluated. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate our clinical mid-term outcome and 3D accuracy as well as their possible correlation, including identifying aspects critical to reaching optimal correction results.

Methods

From October 2018 to January 2020, we used PSIs for 12 corrective osteotomies of the upper extremity in 11 bones of 8 patients (congenital or posttraumatic deformities in 2 elbows, 3 forearms, 3 distal radii). In follow-up examination (10–25 months postoperatively), patient satisfaction, grip strength, ROM, VAS, and DASH were evaluated. Three-dimensional radiological accuracy was determined with 3D-reconstructed postoperative CT scans. With the software tool “Part Comparison” of Mimics^® Innovation Suite Software/Materialise, surface differences of pre-planned and postoperative 3D models were compared.

Results

Compared to the preoperative situation pain and function were better at follow-up: The average VAS score significantly decreased from 6.5 ± 4.1 cm preoperatively to 2.3 ± 2.6 cm at the follow-up time point (p = 0.008). The average DASH score significantly improved, from 48.4 ± 30.9 to 27.0 ± 25.2 (p = 0.015). In the part comparison analysis “planned vs postoperative comparison”, significantly more points in percent (= 3D accuracy) were in a −3 mm to 3 mm interval than in the “preoperative vs planned comparison” (87.3 ± 13.8% vs 48.9 ± 16.6%, p = 0.004). After surgery, the maximum deviation value over all cases was 4.5 ± 1.1 mm, and the minimum deviation value was − 4.5 ± 1.2 mm vs preoperatively 12.9 ± 6.2 mm (p = 0.004) and − 7.2 ± 2.1 mm (p = 0.02), respectively. Clinically, in all cases with higher accuracy (> 90%), an improvement of either DASH or VAS or both of > 60% to the preoperative values occurred. There was a significant correlation between accuracy (%) and ΔVAS (p = 0.004). There were no method-related complications.

Conclusions

Our data after PSI-based corrective osteotomy in complex deformities of the upper extremity in a limited number of cases indicate a positive correlation between 3D accuracy and clinical outcomes. Examination of 3D accuracy to analyse sources of error in the hole procedure from initial CT scan to end of surgery even in patients with not fully satisfactory clinical results is required for further development of the method to achieve optimal correction results with nearly 100% congruence between the planned and postoperative 3D bone position.

Trial registration This retrospective study was registered in the Center for Translational & Clinical Research Aachen (CTC-A) with the number 20-514 on November 20, 2021

Computer-Aided Planning and 3D-Printed Surgical Guide in Patients with Extreme Cubitus Varus Deformity: A Report of 2 Cases

CASE

We describe 2 patients with extreme triplanar cubitus varus deformity, treated with step-cut corrective virtually planned osteotomies and performed with custom-made surgical guides. The surgery was simulated on the patients' bone 3D-printed model to verify the effectiveness of the surgical plans. At a medium 21-month follow-up after surgery, in both patients, clinical and radiological results were fully satisfactory, and no complications have been reported.

CONCLUSION

The precision of computer-aided surgical planning and custom-made surgical guides allow to perform reproducible and relatively safe surgeries even in extreme deformities where the surgical complexity could discourage attempts at surgical correction.

3D-printed Cutting Guides for Lower Limb Deformity Correction in the Young Population

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning technology has advanced applications in the correction of deformities of long bones by enabling the production of 3D stereolithographic models, patient-specific instruments and surgical-guiding templates. Herein, we describe the implementation of this technology in young patients who required a corrective osteotomy for a complex 3-plane (oblique plane) lower-limb deformity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 17 patients (9 males, average age 14.7 y) participated in this retrospective study. As part of preoperative planning, the patients' computerized tomographic images were imported into a post-processing software, and virtual 3D models were created by a segmentation process. Femoral and tibial models and cutting guides with locking points were designed according to the deformity correction plan. They were used for both planning and as intraoperative guides. Clinical parameters, such as blood loss and operative time were compared with a traditional surgical approach group.

RESULTS

All osteotomies in the 3D group were executed with the use intraoperative customized cutting guides which matched the preoperative planning simulation and allowed easy fixation with prechosen plates. Surgical time was 101±6.2 minutes for the 3D group and 126.4±16.1 minutes for the control group. The respective intraoperative hemoglobin blood loss was 2.1±0.2 and 2.5+0.3 g/dL.Clinical and radiographic follow-up findings showed highly satisfactory alignment of the treated extremities in all 3D intervention cases, with an average time-to-bone union (excluding 2 neurofibromatosis 1 patients) of 10.3 weeks (range 6 to 20 wk).

CONCLUSION

The use of 3D-printed models and patient-specific cutting guides with locking points improves the clinical outcomes of osteotomies in young patients with complex bone deformities of the lower limbs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Clinical applications and prospects of 3D printing guide templates in orthopaedics

Background

With increasing requirements for medical effects, and huge differences among individuals, traditional surgical instruments are difficult to meet the patients' growing medical demands. 3D printing is increasingly mature, which connects to medical services critically as well. The patient specific surgical guide plate provides the condition for precision medicine in orthopaedics.

Methods

In this paper, a systematic review of the orthopedic guide template is presented, where the history of 3D-printing-guided technology, the process of guides, and basic clinical applications of orthopedic guide templates are described. Finally, the limitations of the template and possible future directions are discussed.

Results

The technology of 3D printing surgical templates is increasingly mature, standard, and intelligent. With the help of guide templates, the surgeon can easily determine the direction and depth of the screw path, and choose the angle and range of osteotomy, increasing the precision, safety, and reliability of the procedure in various types of surgeries. It simplifies the difficult surgical steps and accelerates the growth of young and mid-career physicians. But some problems such as cost, materials, and equipment limit its development.

Conclusions

In different fields of orthopedics, the use of guide templates can significantly improve surgical accuracy, shorten the surgical time, and reduce intraoperative bleeding and radiation. With the development of 3D printing, the guide template will be standardized and simplified from design to production and use. 3D printing guides will be further sublimated in the application of orthopedics and better serve the patients.

The translational potential of this paper

Precision, intelligence, and individuation are the future development direction of orthopedics. It is more and more popular as the price of printers falls and materials are developed. In addition, the technology of meta-universe, digital twin, and artificial intelligence have made revolutionary effects on template guides. We aim to summarize recent developments and applications of 3D printing guide templates for engineers and surgeons to develop more accurate and efficient templates.

Three-dimensional printing in paediatric orthopaedic surgery

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly evolving and promising field to improve outcomes of orthopaedic surgery. The use of patient-specific 3D-printed models is specifically interesting in paediatric orthopaedic surgery, as limb deformity corrections often require an individual 3D treatment. In this editorial, various operative applications of 3D printing in paediatric orthopaedic surgery are discussed. The technical aspects and the imaging acquisition with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are outlined. Next, there is a focus on the intraoperative applications of 3D printing during paediatric orthopaedic surgical procedures. An overview of various upper and lower limb deformities in paediatrics is given, in which 3D printing is already implemented, including post-traumatic forearm corrections and proximal femoral osteotomies. The use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) or guiding templates during the surgical procedure shows to be promising in reducing operation time, intraoperative haemorrhage and radiation exposure. Moreover, 3D-printed models for the use of PSI or patient-specific navigation templates are promising in improving the accuracy of complex limb deformity surgery in children. Lastly, the future of 3D printing in paediatric orthopaedics extends beyond the intraoperative applications; various other medical applications include 3D casting and prosthetic limb replacement. In conclusion, 3D printing opportunities are numerous, and the fast developments are exciting, but more evidence is required to prove its superiority over conventional paediatric orthopaedic surgery.

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

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.

Preoperative Planning Using 3D Printing Technology in Orthopedic Surgery

The applications of 3D printing technology in health care, particularly orthopedics, continue to broaden as the technology becomes more advanced, accessible, and affordable worldwide. 3D printed models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans can reproduce a replica of anatomical parts that enable surgeons to get a detailed understanding of the underlying anatomy that he/she experiences intraoperatively. The 3D printed anatomic models are particularly useful for preoperative planning, simulation of complex orthopedic procedures, development of patient-specific instruments, and implants that can be used intraoperatively. This paper reviews the role of 3D printing technology in orthopedic surgery, specifically focusing on the role it plays in assisting surgeons to have a better preoperative evaluation and surgical planning.

Efficacy Evaluation of 3D Navigational Template for Salter Osteotomy of DDH in Children

Background

The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of 3D navigational template for Salter osteotomy of DDH in children.

Methods

Thirty-two consecutive patients with DDH who underwent Salter osteotomy were evaluated between July 2014 and August 2017, and they were divided into the conventional group (n = 16) and navigation template group (n = 16) according to different surgical methods. The corrective acetabular degrees, radiation exposure, and operation time were compared between the two groups.

Results

No nerve palsy or redislocation was reported in the navigation template group. Compared with the conventional group, the navigation template group had the advantages of more accurate acetabular degrees, less radiation exposure, and shorter operation time (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the navigation template group achieved a better surgical outcome than the conventional group (McKay, P = 0.0293; Severin, P = 0.0949).

Conclusions

The 3D navigational template for Salter osteotomy of DDH is simple and effective, which could be an alternative approach to improve the Salter osteotomy accuracy and optimize the efficacy.

The effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing on quantitative and qualitative outcomes in paediatric orthopaedic osteotomies: a systematic review

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is increasingly being utilized in various surgical specialities. In paediatric orthopaedics it has been applied in the pre-operative and intra-operative stages, allowing complex deformities to be replicated and patient-specific instrumentation to be used. This systematic review analyses the literature on the effect of 3D printing on paediatric orthopaedic osteotomy outcomes.A systematic review of several databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating the use of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic osteotomy procedures in children (aged ≤ 16 years) were included. Spinal and bone tumour surgery were excluded. Data extracted included demographics, disease pathology, target bone, type of technology, imaging modality used, qualitative/quantitative outcomes and follow-up. Articles were further categorized as either 'pre-operative' or 'intra-operative' applications of the technology.Twenty-two articles fitting the inclusion criteria were included. The reported studies included 212 patients. There were five articles of level of evidence 3 and 17 level 4.A large variety of outcomes were reported with the most commonly used being operating time, fluoroscopic exposure and intra-operative blood loss.A significant difference in operative time, fluoroscopic exposure, blood loss and angular correction was found in the 'intra-operative' application group. No significant difference was found in the 'pre-operative' category.Despite a relatively low evidence base pool of studies, our aggregate data demonstrate a benefit of 3D printing technology in various deformity correction applications, especially when used in the 'intra-operative' setting. Further research including paediatric-specific core outcomes is required to determine the potential benefit of this novel addition. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:130-138. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200092.