3-D Printing in Orthopaedics, Pre-Op Planning, Surgical Models and Custom Surgical Tools, Applications in Bone Tumors

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D print is an up and coming technology that has the potential to make significant changes in how we plan for surgery in orthopaedics and in designing custom surgical tools and implants.

Ten patients which presented with bone tumors over the last year underwent intense pre-op planning which included a surgical printed model and custom surgical tools and even a printed prosthesis.

In all cases the model served as a team planning tool and improved communication and anatomic understanding. Surgical tools and cutting jigs were accurate and fit the plan in all ten cases. Resection margins were negative in all cases. In one case a custom printed prosthesis was used with good fit. Short term functional outcome was measured for all ten cases. Each case was debriefed and a key learning point was improved for the follwoing case.

Intense pre-operative planning, 3-D models, custom cutting jigs and prosthesis improve surgical accuracy and have the potential to improve fuction and oncologic outcomes.