3D Printing: Regenerating Bones

With the emergence of 3D printing technology, patient bone models can be printed in a 1:1 ratio based on imaging data, visually and tactilely demonstrating the condition to patients and their families,which aids in doctor-patient communication. Meanwhile, the lead surgeon can perform preoperative planning based on the 3D printed bone model.

1. What is 3D Printing Technology

3D printing technology is a type of rapid prototyping technology, also known as additive manufacturing. It is a technology that constructs objects by using powder-like metals or plastics and other adhesive materials based on digital model files, through layer-by-layer printing.It is now widely used in medical, educational, and research fields.

2. The Process of Medical 3D Printing

The medical 3D printing process mainly includes:

(1) Data Collection

Using CT, MRI, and other equipment to perform thin-layer scans of the patient, and saving the data in DICOM format for future use.

(2) 3D Reconstruction and Design

Importing the patient’s imaging data into medical 3D reconstruction software, reconstructing the bone model based on threshold levels, and designing the bone model, surgical guide, and bone defect implant’s 3D shape according to the patient’s condition.

(3) 3D Printing the Physical Object

The 3D printer prints the physical object layer by layer based on the digitized 3D shape.

3. Applications of 3D Printing in Orthopedics

▲Trauma Joint Surgery Department, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University

Associate Chief Physician, Associate Professor Wang Fuyou

1. Preoperative Planning

For patients with fractures, especially those with comminuted fractures, the preoperative 3D printed anatomical model helps analyze or simulate surgical operations, providing more guidance than relying solely on 2D CT or MRI images.

Using 3D printing technology preoperatively allows doctors to have a more intuitive understanding of the patient’s condition, especially beneficial for younger doctors with less experience in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Clinical results indicate that the 3D model group has shorter surgical times, less intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage compared to the non-3D model group,which facilitates precise reduction of fractures, improves surgical accuracy, shortens operation time, and achieves better surgical outcomes.

2. Preparation of Surgical Guides

The main role of surgical guides is to assist in precise reduction of fractures and to help implants or instruments reach their predetermined positions, improving the convenience of surgical operations while reducing error rates, significantly enhancing the precision of surgical operations.

Using 3D printed surgical guides can significantly improve surgical precision, reduce intraoperative risks, and enhance surgical safety and clinical efficacy satisfaction, making it an effective and feasible technology worth promoting.

The application of 3D printed surgical guides aligns with the concept of precision medicine in the 21st century, improving surgical efficacy while minimizing patient damage.

3. Personalized 3D Printed Implants

In the repair of bone defects, implants are often required. Traditional orthopedic implants have fixed sizes and shapes, requiring adjustments to the host bone using bone files during surgery to match the shape and size of the prosthesis and internal implants, whereas 3D printing can provide

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