Advances in 3D Printing Applications for Personalized Orthopedic Surgery: From Anatomical Modeling to Patient-Specific Implants.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained substantial interest among scientists and surgeons over the past decade due to its broad potential in medical applications. Its clinical utility has been increasingly recognized, demonstrating promising outcomes for patient care. Currently, 3D printing technology enables surgeons to enhance operative precision by facilitating the creation of patient-specific anatomical models, customized implants, biological tissues, and even surgical instruments. This personalization contributes to improved surgical outcomes, reduced operative times, and shorter postoperative recovery periods. Furthermore, 3D printing significantly aids in the customization of prostheses to conform closely to individual anatomical structures. Beyond therapeutic applications, 3D printing serves as a valuable educational tool in medical training. It enhances case-specific visualization, elucidates fracture mechanisms, and provides tangible models for simulation-based practice. Although the use of 3D printing might be seen as useful mostly in orthopedics, it has expanded into multiple medical specialties, including plastic surgery, dentistry, and emergency medicine. Presently, 3D-printed constructs are routinely employed for preoperative planning, prosthetic development, fracture management, and the fabrication of patient-specific surgical tools. Futuristically, the integration of 3D printing into clinical practice is expected to play a pivotal role in the advancement of personalized medicine, offering substantial benefits for both healthcare providers and patients.