scholarly journals A Review of Current Clinical Applications of Three-Dimensional Printing in Spine Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woojin Cho ◽  
Alan Varkey Job ◽  
Jing Chen ◽  
Jung Hwan Baek

<p>Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a transformative technology with a potentially wide range of applications in the field of orthopaedic spine surgery. This article aims to review the current applications, limitations, and future developments of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic spine surgery. Current preoperative applications of 3D printing include construction of complex 3D anatomic models for improved visual understanding, preoperative surgical planning, and surgical simulations for resident education. Intraoperatively, 3D printers have been successfully used in surgical guidance systems and in the creation of patient specific implantable devices. Furthermore, 3D printing is revolutionizing the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, allowing construction of biocompatible scaffolds suitable for cell growth and vasculature. Advances in printing technology and evidence of positive clinical outcomes are needed before there is an expansion of 3D printing applied to the clinical setting.</p>

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Athanasios Argyropoulos ◽  
Pantelis N. Botsaris

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a leading manufacturing technique in the medical field. The constantly improving quality of 3D printers has revolutionized the approach to new challenges in medicine for a wide range of applications including otoplasty, medical devices, and tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of an artificial ear splint model applied to the human auricle for the treatment of stick-out protruding ears. The deformity of stick-out protruding ears remains a significant challenge, where the complex and distinctive shape preservation are key factors. To address this challenge, we have developed a protocol that involves photogrammetry techniques, reverse engineering technologies, a smart prototype design, and 3D printing processes. Specifically, we fabricated a 3D printed ear splint model via fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology by testing two materials, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (Z-Flex) and polycaprolactone (PCL 100). Our strategy affords a custom-made and patient-specific artificial ear aligner with mechanical properties that ensures sufficient preservation of the auricular shape by applying a force on the helix and antihelix and enables the ears to pin back to the head.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 811-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas S. Osborn

The confluence of three-dimensional printing, three-dimensional scanning, and the Internet will erode the dividing line between the physical and the digital worlds and will bring millions of laypeople into intimate contact with the full spectrum of intellectual property laws. One of the areas most affected by 3D printers will be three-dimensional art. This Article analyzes several ways in which 3D printing technology will affect the creation, delivery, and consumption of art. Not only does 3D printing offer great promise for creative works, but it also presents a problem of piracy that may accompany the digitization of three-dimensional works. As 3D printing technology’s relationship to intellectual property law is largely unexplored, this Article explores foundational issues regarding how copyright law applies to 3D printing technology, laying the groundwork upon which further analysis of 3D printing’s effects on copyright law may be built.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-138
Author(s):  
Mohsen Raza ◽  
Daniel Murphy ◽  
Yael Gelfer

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


Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seow Yong Chin ◽  
Vishwesh Dikshit ◽  
Balasankar Meera Priyadarshini ◽  
Yi Zhang

Customized manufacturing of a miniaturized device with micro and mesoscale features is a key requirement of mechanical, electrical, electronic and medical devices. Powder-based 3D-printing processes offer a strong candidate for micromanufacturing due to the wide range of materials, fast production and high accuracy. This study presents a comprehensive review of the powder-based three-dimensional (3D)-printing processes and how these processes impact the creation of devices with micro and mesoscale features. This review also focuses on applications of devices with micro and mesoscale size features that are created by powder-based 3D-printing technology.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Hongwei Song ◽  
Xinle Li

The most active research area is nanotechnology in cementitious composites, which has a wide range of applications and has achieved popularity over the last three decades. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as possible materials to be used in the field of civil engineering. Previous research has concentrated on evaluating the effect of different NPs in cementitious materials to alter material characteristics. In order to provide a broad understanding of how nanomaterials (NMs) can be used, this paper critically evaluates previous research on the influence of rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance on cementitious materials. The flow properties of fresh cementitious composites can be measured using rheology and slump. Mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength reveal hardened properties. The necessary tests for determining a NM’s durability in concrete are shrinkage, pore structure and porosity, and permeability. The advent of modern 3D printing technologies is suitable for structural printing, such as contour crafting and binder jetting. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has opened up new avenues for the building and construction industry to become more digital. Regardless of the material science, a range of problems must be tackled, including developing smart cementitious composites suitable for 3D structural printing. According to the scanning electron microscopy results, the addition of NMs to cementitious materials results in a denser and improved microstructure with more hydration products. This paper provides valuable information and details about the rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance of cementitious materials with NMs and encourages further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 030006052110285
Author(s):  
Kai Xiao ◽  
Bo Xu ◽  
Lin Ding ◽  
Weiguang Yu ◽  
Lei Bao ◽  
...  

Objective To assess the outcomes of traditional three-dimensional (3D) printing technology (TPT) versus mirror 3D printing technology (MTT) in treating isolated acetabular fractures (IAFs). Methods Consecutive patients with an IAF treated by either TPT or MTT at our tertiary medical centre from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. The primary outcome was the Harris hip score (HHS), and the secondary outcomes were major intraoperative variables and key orthopaedic complications. Results One hundred fourteen eligible patients (114 hips) with an IAF (TPT, n = 56; MTT, n = 58) were evaluated. The median follow-up was 25 months (range, 21–28 months). At the last follow-up, the mean HHS was 82.46 ±14.70 for TPT and 86.30 ± 13.26 for MTT with a statistically significant difference. Significant differences were also detected in the major intraoperative variables (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of fluoroscopic screenings, and anatomical reduction number) and the major orthopaedic complications (loosening, implant failure, and heterotopic ossification). Conclusion Compared with TPT, MTT tends to produce accurate IAF reduction and may result in better intraoperative variables and a lower rate of major orthopaedic complications.


Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 866
Author(s):  
A. R. Damanpack ◽  
André Sousa ◽  
M. Bodaghi

This paper shows how fused decomposition modeling (FDM), as a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, can engineer lightweight porous foams with controllable density. The tactic is based on the 3D printing of Poly Lactic Acid filaments with a chemical blowing agent, as well as experiments to explore how FDM parameters can control material density. Foam porosity is investigated in terms of fabrication parameters such as printing temperature and flow rate, which affect the size of bubbles produced during the layer-by-layer fabrication process. It is experimentally shown that printing temperature and flow rate have significant effects on the bubbles’ size, micro-scale material connections, stiffness and strength. An analytical equation is introduced to accurately simulate the experimental results on flow rate, density, and mechanical properties in terms of printing temperature. Due to the absence of a similar concept, mathematical model and results in the specialized literature, this paper is likely to advance the state-of-the-art lightweight foams with controllable porosity and density fabricated by FDM 3D printing technology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-360
Author(s):  
Xiaojiang Sun ◽  
Erzhu Yang ◽  
Changqing Zhao ◽  
Xiaofei Cheng ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangwei Wang ◽  
Peilun Lv ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Liying Yu ◽  
Guodong Yuan ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to propose a suitable atomizing solidification chitosan (CS) gel liquid extrusion molding technology for the three dimensional (3D) printing method, and experiments verify the feasibility of this method. Design/methodology/approach This paper mainly uses experimental means, combined with theoretical research. The preparation method, solidification forming method and 3D printing method of CS gel solution were studied. The CS gel printing mechanism and printing error sources are analyzed on the basis of the CS gel ink printing results, printing performance with different ratios of components by constructing a gel print prototype, experiments evaluating the CS gel printing technology and the effects of the process parameters on the scaffold formation. Findings CS printing ink was prepared; the optimal formula was found; the 3 D printing experiment of CS was completed; the optimal printing parameters were obtained; and the reliability of the forming prototype, printing ink and gel printing process was verified, which allowed for the possibility to apply the 3 D printing technology to the manufacturing of a CS gel structure. Originality/value This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the potential application of CS 3 D printed gels in tissue engineering.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erfan Rezvani Ghomi ◽  
Saeideh Kholghi Eshkalak ◽  
Sunpreet Singh ◽  
Amutha Chinnappan ◽  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
...  

Purpose The potential implications of the three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology are growing enormously in the various health-care sectors, including surgical planning, manufacturing of patient-specific implants and developing anatomical models. Although a wide range of thermoplastic polymers are available as 3DP feedstock, yet obtaining biocompatible and structurally integrated biomedical devices is still challenging owing to various technical issues. Design/methodology/approach Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is an organic and biocompatible compound material that is recently being used to fabricate complex design geometries and patient-specific implants through 3DP. However, the thermal and rheological features of PEEK make it difficult to process through the 3DP technologies, for instance, fused filament fabrication. The present review paper presents a state-of-the-art literature review of the 3DP of PEEK for potential biomedical applications. In particular, a special emphasis has been given on the existing technical hurdles and possible technological and processing solutions for improving the printability of PEEK. Findings The reviewed literature highlighted that there exist numerous scientific and technical means which can be adopted for improving the quality features of the 3D-printed PEEK-based biomedical structures. The discussed technological innovations will help the 3DP system to enhance the layer adhesion strength, structural stability, as well as enable the printing of high-performance thermoplastics. Originality/value The content of the present manuscript will motivate young scholars and senior scientists to work in exploring high-performance thermoplastics for 3DP applications.


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