Three-Dimensional Printed Plate Template Versus Hemipelvis Model in Patient-Specific Plate Preparation for Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures

Objective

The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the management of posterior wall acetabular fractures can greatly reduce surgical invasiveness and operative time and simplify the procedure of reconstruction plate contouring, but the cost and time of patient-specific plate preparation on the basis of traditional 3D-printed pelvis model should not be neglected. We described a new method for patient-specific plate preparation by using 3D-printed plate template. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the 3D-printed plate template in patient-specific plate preparation for posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Methods

A total of 65 cases of posterior wall acetabular fractures with surgical treatment from December 2012 to December 2020 were chosen. According to the different plate contouring methods, the 65 cases were divided into three groups, which were group A (21 cases), group B (20 cases), and group C (24 cases). In group A, the 3D-printed plate template was used to contour the patient-specific reconstruction plate before surgery, whereas the 3D-printed hemipelvis model was adopted for group B. In group C, the reconstruction plate was contoured intraoperatively. Among the three groups, the instrumentation time, surgical time, blood loss, patient-specific plate preparation time, complications, reduction quality, and hip function were compared. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the reduction quality and hip function among three groups.

Results

In comparison with group C, patients in groups A and B were featured by obviously shorter instrumentation time (−22, −23 min), shorter surgical time (−46, −44 min), and less intraoperative blood loss (−110, −122 mL). Compared to the hemipelvis model in group B (2.29 ± 0.56 vs. 12.70 ± 3.79 days), the 3D printing time for plate templates in group A was significantly shorter. The reduction quality and hip function had no obvious statistical difference among the three groups. The complication rate within group A (3/21) and group B (3/20) were both slightly lower than group C (5/24), with no obvious difference.

Conclusions

Both the patient-specific pre-contoured plate fixation methods based on the 3D-printed hemipelvis model and plate template can achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy, with the advantage of shorter instrumentation and surgical time, and less intraoperative blood loss. However, 3D printing of plate template is easier and less time-consuming, considering the shorter time and less cost for 3D printing of physical model.     

3D打印个体化器械操作在全膝关节置换术中的应用现状

当今关节置换术已经逐渐成为骨科常见手术,关节置换手术的相关研究亦成为热点,其研究程度也逐渐加深。3D打印技术应用于髋膝关节置换的相关报道逐渐增多,如基于3D打印技术的患者个体化器械操作,其手术辅助作用可观,尤其对于复杂病例的关节置换更为重要,但总体来说个体化器械操作在关节置换术中的运用还处于发展阶段。本文通过回顾相关文献,分析、整理3D打印个体化器械操作在全膝关节置换术中应用的研究现状,主要从个体化术前规划、术中操作、术后功能恢复等方面总结其在膝关节置换术中应用的有效性及在肥胖、膝关节畸形等特殊复杂的膝关节手术病例中应用的必要性,并简述其在当前的临床应用中存在的问题和争议,以期为今后的研究方向及临床应用提供参考。     

An overview of 3D printing and the orthopaedic application of patient-specific models in malunion surgery

As the emerging technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing impacts several facets of medicine, innovative techniques and applications are increasingly being incorporated into clinical workflows. Specifically, 3D printing technology has allowed for the individualization of patient care through the creation of printed surgical guides, patient-specific anatomical models, and simulation practice models.In this paper, we review the broad applications of 3D printing in orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this paper is to help orthopaedic trauma surgeons understand 3D printing's emerging influence on the delivery of care as well as how to directly apply this technology to their practice. We aim to illustrate these principles through a specific example of a patient who presented for malunion surgery. A 3D printed model of a very complex traumatic scapula malunion was used to not only pre-surgically plan the reconstruction, but to also facilitate provider and patient education. This paper highlights the benefits of 3D printing and how trauma surgeons are uniquely positioned to apply this technology to improve patient care.     

Automated 3D-printed finger orthosis versus manual orthosis preparation by occupational therapy students: Preparation time,product weight,and user satisfaction

Study designIntra-subject cross-sectional study.IntroductionUpper limb injuries often require wearing an orthosis. Today, orthoses are custom-made by the clinician or purchased as an off-shelf product. Although 3D printing is a popular solution, the design and adjustment of an orthosis model according to patient-specific anatomy requires technical expertise, often unavailable to the clinicians.Purpose of the study(1) To create a software that receives input of anatomic dimensions of the finger and automatically adjusts an orthosis model for patient-specific 3D printing and (2) to compare preparation time, product weight, and user satisfaction of occupational therapy students between the manual method and the automatic 3D printing method.MethodsA custom code allows the user to measure five anatomic measurements of the finger. The code adjusts a swan-neck orthosis model according to the patient-specific measurements, and a fitted resized 3D-printable file is produced. We recruited 36 occupational therapy students (age 25.4 ± 1.9 years). They prepared two swan-neck orthoses for a finger of a rubber mannequin: one manually using a thermoplastic material and the other by 3D printing. The preparation time and orthosis weight were measured, and the subjects filled out a user satisfaction questionnaire.ResultsThe weight of the 3D-printed orthosis was significantly lower than that of the manual orthosis; however, the preparation time was longer. The subjects were more satisfied with the fit, esthetics, overall process, and product of the 3D-printed orthosis.ConclusionThe creation of an automated software for the patient-specific adjustment of orthoses for 3D printing can be the missing link for integration of 3D printing in the clinics.     

Technique tip: 3D printing surgical guide for pes cavus midfoot osteotomy

BackgroundPes cavus can be defined as an abnormal elevation of the longitudinal arches, which is often secondary to a muscle imbalance. This deformity affects the foot’s three dimensions (3D) and our osteotomies are usually planned on a lateral (two-dimension) X-ray. Are we really considering all the spatial components of the deformity? The aim of this study is to present a technique tip to identify the apical plane of the pes cavus deformity and perform a midfoot dorsal-based wedge resection osteotomy by using customized 3D printed surgical guides.MethodsThree patients underwent the presented technique, all for the indication of symptomatic neuromuscular pes cavus with both anterior and posterior deformity.Results3D-printed patient-specific guides help the surgeon to minimize human error, improving intraoperative accuracy, while reducing surgical time and intraoperative X-ray exposure.ConclusionsClosing wedge midfoot osteotomy to correct anterior pes cavus may be an interesting indication to use customized 3D printed surgical guides.     

Current status and challenges of Additive manufacturing in orthopaedics: An overview

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly emerging technology which is being successfully implemented in the various field of medicine as well as in orthopaedics, where it has applications in reducing cartilage defects and treatments of bones. The technology helps through systematic collection of information about the shape of the "defects" and precise fabrication of complex 3D constructs such as cartilage, heart valve, trachea, myocardial bone tissue and blood vessels. In this paper, a large number of the relevant research papers on the additive manufacturing and its application in medical specifically orthopaedics are identified through Scopus had been studied using Bibliometric analysis and application analysis is undertaken. The bibliometric analysis shows that there is an increasing trend in the research reports on additive manufacturing applications in the field of orthopaedics. Discussions are on using technological advancement like scanning techniques and various challenges of the orthopaedic being met by additive manufacturing technology. For patient-specific orthopaedic applications, these techniques incorporate clinical practice and use for effective planning. 3D printed models printed by this technology are accepted for orthopaedic surgery such as revision of lumbar discectomy, pelvic surgery and large scapular osteochondroma. The applications of additive manufacturing in orthopaedics will experience a rapid translation in future. An orthopaedic surgeon can convert need/idea into a reality by using computer-aided design (CAD) software, analysis software to facilitate the manufacturing. Thus, AM provides a comprehensive opportunity to manufacture orthopaedic implantable medical devices.     

3D打印截骨导板辅助治疗胫骨骨折畸形愈合

目的探讨3D打印截骨导板在胫骨骨折畸形愈合截骨矫治术中的应用效果。方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2018年1月期间郑州大学第一附属医院骨科收治的30例胫骨骨折畸形愈合患者资料。根据治疗方法不同将患者分为2组:15例患者行3D打印截骨导板辅助截骨术治疗(3D打印组),男9例,女6例;年龄(46.3±8.2)岁;骨折畸形愈合位于胫骨中上段11例,胫骨下段4例;左侧6例,右侧9例;内翻畸形8例,外翻畸形7例;术前骨折畸形角度24.3°±5.5°。15例患者使用传统手术方法治疗(传统手术组),男10例,女5例;年龄(47.1±6.0)岁;骨折位于中上段12例,下段3例;左侧5例,右侧10例;内翻畸形7例,外翻畸形8例;术前骨折畸形愈合角度平均22.5°±5.4°。记录并比较两组患者术前一般资料、手术时间、术中出血量及术后下肢力线恢复情况。结果3D打印组和传统手术组胫骨骨折畸形愈合术前一般资料比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。3D打印组和传统手术组患者术后平均随访12、10个月。3D打印组手术时间较传统手术组明显缩短[(102.2±13.0)vs.(137.9±10.5)min],术中出血量较传统手术组明显减少[(77.3±39.7)vs.(163.3±35.2)mL],术后3D打印组畸形角度较传统手术组显著减小[(1.9°±0.4°)vs.(3.2°±0.9°)],以上项目两组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时两组均未见内固定物松动,截骨处均实现愈合,未再次出现畸形,下肢力线恢复良好。结论3D打印截骨导板技术在辅助胫骨骨折畸形愈合的截骨治疗中能精准截骨,减少手术时间及术中出血量,有效纠正下肢力线,术后近期疗效良好,是胫骨骨折畸形愈合有效的辅助技术。     

Image guidance: fluoroscopic navigation

Computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery slowly is making its way into routine orthopaedic practice. Orthopaedic trauma has long been identified as a potential impact area of this new technology. Early experience with three-dimensional (3D) image-guided surgery was promising, but this particular technique was limited by the inability to update the 3D computer model in the operating room after fracture reduction maneuvers or implant placement. Virtual fluoroscopy, or fluoroscopic navigation, became available in 1999 and has proven to be a more versatile technology for fracture treatment. Fluoroscopic navigation systems allow the surgeon to store multiple intraoperative fluoroscopic images on a computer workstation; the position of special optically-tracked surgical instruments or implants then may be virtually overlaid onto the stored images in multiple planes during implant placement. The ability to update images after fracture manipulation now has expanded the application of computer-assisted surgery to any procedures that traditionally have relied on intraoperative C-arm use. In selected applications, this technology has been shown to decrease operative time and intraoperative radiation exposure. The advantages of the new technique of fluoroscopic navigation and its current use in trauma applications will be discussed.     

Does smoking affect the quality of bone regenerate in paediatric limb reconstructive surgery?

Purpose To bring to the attention of the orthopaedic fraternity that adolescent children smoke and this has an adverse effect on the bone regenerate during limb deformity corrective surgery. Methods Retrospective review of patients undergoing limb deformity corrective surgery with a prolonged frame time and bone-healing index. Patients operated on between 1993 and 2005 in a single regional specialist paediatric orthopaedic hospital. Results Seventeen smoking patients (16 adolescent, one aged 9 years), with prolonged bone regenerate consolidation time of more than double the standard time. Bone-healing index (BHI) was increased in both active smokers and passive smokers. Conclusions In the older child/adolescent we should consider smoking (active or passive) as a detrimental factor in prolonging their frame times. We should council these patients and their carers to stop smoking at least during the period of their treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The clinical use of 3D printing in surgery

The use of 3D printing is gaining considerable success in many medical fields including surgery. Here, the technology was introduced for increasing the level of anatomical understanding thanks to the inherent characteristics of 3D printed models: these are highly accurate and customized reproductions, being obtained from own radiological imaging of patients, and are solid graspable objects allowing for free manipulation on part of the user. The resulting tactile feedbacks significantly help the comprehension of anatomical details, especially the spatial relations between structures. In this regard, they proved to be more effective than conventional 2D imaging and 3D virtual models. To date, an increasing number of applications have been successfully tested in many surgical disciplines, extending the range of possible uses to pre-operative planning, counselling with patients, education of students and residents, surgical training, intraoperative navigation and others; in recent years, 3D printing was also employed for creating surgical tools and reproducing anatomical parts to be used, respectively, as templates or guides for specific tasks of the surgery and individualized implantable materials in reconstructive procedures. Future expectations concern on one side the reduction of manufacturing costs and time to further increase the accessibility of 3D printing, while on the other the development of novel techniques and materials suitable for 3D printing of biological structures by which recreating the architecture and functionality of real human organs and tissues.     

术前虚拟规划联合3D打印模板预塑形钢板治疗髋臼后壁骨折

目的:评估虚拟术前规划和3D打印模板预塑形钢板治疗髋臼后壁骨折的可行性和准确性。方法:回顾性分析2017年8月至2020年8月治疗的髋臼后壁骨折患者29例,根据是否采用术前虚拟规划和3D打印模板分为2组,3D打印组14例,男10例,女4例;年龄21～53岁;基于患者骨盆CT数据采用Mimics和3-Matic软件进行虚拟手术规划,虚拟复位骨折,设计后壁钢板模板及螺钉固定位置,模拟透视记录合适方位以指导术中透视,打印后壁钢板模板和带有后壁骨折块的钢板螺钉模型,然后根据模板预塑形钢板备用。常规组15例,男10例,女5例;年龄19～55岁;采用常规的方法术中折弯钢板适应骨折区域。比较两组术中出血量、手术时间、骨折复位质量和髋关节功能。结果:23例患者获得随访,时间12～30个月。两组患者骨折均愈合,愈合时间3～6个月。两组手术时间、术中出血量比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时髋关节功能Merle d’Aubign-Postel评分,3D打印组疼痛程度评分低于常规组(P<0.05);两组行走能力、髋关节活动度和总分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。3...     

Current status of 3D printing in spine surgery

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is one of the latest tools in the armamentarium of the modern spine surgeon. The yearning to be more precise and reliable whilst operating on the spine has led to an interest in this technology which has claimed to achieve these goals. 3D printing has been used pre-operatively for surgical planning and for resident or patient education. It has also found its way to the operation theatre where it is used to fabricate customized surgical tools or patient-specific implants. Several authors have highlighted significant benefits when 3D printing is used for specific indications in spine surgery. Novel applications of this technology in spine surgery have also been described and though still in a nascent stage, these are important for this technology to sustain itself in the future. However, major limitations have also come to light with this technology in use. This article seeks to review the current status and applications of 3D printing in spinal surgery and its major drawbacks while briefly describing the essentials of the technology. It is imperative that the modern spine surgeon knows about this important innovation and when and how it can be applied to improve surgical outcomes.     

Application of a Three-Dimensional Print of a Liver in Hepatectomy for Small Tumors Invisible by Intraoperative Ultrasonography: Preliminary Experience

Background

Hepatectomy for an invisible small tumor using intraoperative ultrasonography requires technical ingenuity. We used a 3D print of a liver to perform a hepatectomy on two patients with synchronous multiple liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Because of preoperative chemotherapy, one of the tumors became smaller and invisible to ultrasonography in each case. We present our procedure here.

Methods

Multidetector-row computed tomography images of anatomical structures were digitally segmented using the original software “PLUTO,” which was developed at the Graduate School of Information Science, Nagoya University. After converting the final segmentation data to stereolithography files, a 3D printed liver at a 70 % scale was produced. The support material was washed and the mold charge was removed from the 3D-printed hepatic veins. The surface of the 3D-printed model was abraded and coated with urethane resin paint. After air-drying, the 3D-printed hepatic veins were colored by injecting a dye. The 3D printed portal veins were whitish because mold charge remained. All procedures after 3D printing were performed by hand.

Results

Hepatectomy for the small tumor that is invisible to intraoperative ultrasonography was performed by referring to a 3D-printed model. The planned resections were successful with histologically negative surgical margins.

Conclusions

The application of a 3D-printed liver to perform a hepatectomy for a small tumor that is invisible to intraoperative ultrasonography is an easy and feasible procedure. Use of 3D-printing technology in hepatectomy requires further improvement and automation of hand work after the 3D print has been made.     

The EOS? imaging system and its uses in daily orthopaedic practice

Background

The EOS™ X-ray machine, based on a Nobel prize-winning invention in physics in the field of particle detection, is capable of a simultaneous capture of biplanar X-ray images by slot scanning of the whole body in an upright, physiological load-bearing position, using ultra-low radiation doses. The simultaneous capture of spatially calibrated anterioposterior and lateral images provides a three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstruction of the skeletal system using a special software. Parts of the skeletal system in X-ray images and 3D-reconstructed models appear in true 1:1 scale for size and volume, thus spinal and vertebral parameters, lower limb axis lengths and angles, as well as any relevant clinical parameters in orthopaedic practice can be very precisely measured and calculated. Visualisation of 3D reconstructed models in various views by sterEOS 3D software enables presentation of top view images to help analyse rotational conditions of lower limbs, joints and spine deformities in the horizontal plane, providing revolutionary novel possibilities in orthopaedic surgery, especially in spine surgery.

Approach and conclusions

Our department has been extensively using the very first commercially available EOS™ imaging system worldwide for routine orthopaedic diagnostics since June 2007. During this period of about 4.5 years, more than 5,700 standard examinations have been carried out, about a third of them in spine deformity cases and the rest in lower limb orthopaedic cases. In this mini-review, general principles and uses of this groundbreaking integrated orthopaedic solution is reviewed with a few highlighted examples from our own clinical practice.     

Guided growth: recent advances in a deep-rooted concept

Guiding growth by harnessing the ability of growing bone to undergo plastic deformation is one of the oldest orthopaedic principles. Correction of deformity remains a major part of the workload for paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and recently, along with developments in limb reconstruction and computer-directed frame correction, there has been renewed interest in surgical methods of physeal manipulation or 'guided growth'. Manipulating natural bone growth to correct a deformity is appealing, as it allows gradual correction by non- or minimally invasive methods. This paper reviews the techniques employed for guided growth in current orthopaedic practice, including the basic science and recent advances underlying mechanical physeal manipulation of both healthy and pathological physes.     

Accurate Osteotomy for the Treatment of a Rare Case of Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot That Originated From a Deformed Calcaneus Using a 3D-Printed Guiding Plate

Polydactyly is a common congenital deformity of the foot that can be categorized as preaxial, central, or postaxial. Current treatments involve resecting the supernumerary toe(s) and repairing the normal toe(s) and soft tissue. Here, we present the first published report describing a very rare case of polydactyly of the foot, in which the supernumerary toe originated from a deformed calcaneus, which formed an abnormal bony bump. Preoperatively, 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography reconstruction images revealed the morphology of the deformed toe and calcaneus, and gait analysis showed an abnormal weightbearing zone in the left foot. The 3D printing technology and a specially designed 3D-printed guiding plate were used for osteotomy. Postoperatively, x-ray showed that the calcaneus had a normal shape and surface, whereas gait analysis showed that the left foot was uniformly loaded and the area of pain was eliminated. Our findings should raise awareness among clinicians that a 3D-printed guiding plate is useful in the treatment of such an unusual deformity.     

Clinical Applications of 3‐Dimensional Printing Technology in Hip Joint

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is a digital rapid prototyping technology based on a discrete and heap‐forming principle. We identified 53 articles from PubMed by searching “Hip” and “Printing, Three‐Dimensional”; 52 of the articles were published from 2015 onwards and were, therefore, initially considered and discussed. Clinical application of the 3D printing technique in the hip joint mainly includes three aspects: a 3D‐printed bony 1:1 scale model, a custom prosthesis, and patient‐specific instruments (PSI). Compared with 2‐dimensional image, the shape of bone can be obtained more directly from a 1:1 scale model, which may be beneficial for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning. Custom prostheses can be devised on the basis of radiological images, to not only eliminate the fissure between the prosthesis and the patient's bone but also potentially resulting in the 3D‐printed prosthesis functioning better. As an alternative support to intraoperative computer navigation, PSI can anchor to a specially appointed position on the patient's bone to make accurate bone cuts during surgery following a precise design preoperatively. The 3D printing technique could improve the surgeon's efficiency in the operating room, shorten operative times, and reduce exposure to radiation. Well known for its customization, 3D printing technology presents new potential for treating complex hip joint disease.     

Comparison of the Conventional Surgery and the Surgery Assisted by 3d Printing Technology in the Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study was aimed to compare conventional surgery and surgery assisted by 3D printing technology in the treatment of calcaneal fractures. In addition, we also investigated the effect of 3D printing technology on the communication between doctors and patients. Methods: we enrolled 75 patients with calcaneal fracture from April 2014 to August 2016. They were divided randomly into two groups: 35 cases of 3D printing group, 40 cases of conventional group. The individual models were used to simulate the surgical procedures and carry out the surgery according to plan in 3D printing group. Operation duration, blood loss volume during the surgery, number of intraoperative fluoroscopy and fracture union time were recorded. The radiographic outcomes Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal width and calcaneal height and final functional outcomes including VAS and AOFAS score as well as the complications were also evaluated. Besides, we made a simple questionnaire to verify the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model for both doctors and patients. Results: The operation duration, blood loss volume and number of intraoperative fluoroscopy for 3D printing group was 71.4 ± 6.8 minutes, 226.1 ± 22.6 ml and 5.6 ± 1.9 times, and for conventional group was 91.3 ± 11.2 minutes, 288.7 ± 34.8 ml and 8.6 ± 2.7 times respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the conventional group and 3D printing group (p < 0.05). Additionally, 3D printing group achieved significantly better radiographic results than conventional group both postoperatively and at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). However, No significant difference was noted in the final functional outcomes between the two groups. As for complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the questionnaire showed that both doctors and patients exhibited high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of a 3D printing model. Conclusion: This study suggested the clinical feasibility of 3D printing technology in treatment of calcaneal fractures.     

Application of three dimensional printing in surgery for cam type of femoro-acetabular impingement

Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) focuses on improving the clearance for hip motion and alleviation of femoral abutment against the acetabular rim. Cam type of impingement is managed by performing an osteochondroplasty to remove the excess impinging bone from the head neck junction, thus improving the head neck offset. This procedure can be done by safe surgical dislocation, arthroscopy assisted mini-open method or all arthroscopy technique. Whatever be the approach, adequate excision of the Cam deformity is necessary to avoid suboptimal results. Under-excision leads to persistent symptoms and progression of disease, while over-excision can lead to weak bone vulnerable to fracture or disturb the labral seal. Various techniques utilized for intra-operative evaluation of amount of excision required described in literature are fluoroscopy, spherometer gauges, intra-operative Computed Tomography (CT) scan, navigation etc. Rapid prototyping, also called as three dimensional (3D) printing, is a technology to create dimensionally accurate model from a computer-assisted design. Accurate physical models can be designed from the medical imaging data like CT scans and 3D printed to aid in various medical applications. Its application in orthopaedic field is on a rise, recently. However, there is no report on utilization of this technique in surgeries for FAI. We have reported a case of Cam type FAI in an eighteen year old boy, which we treated surgically by performing osteochondroplasty using safe surgical dislocation. We did CT based virtual surgical planning to design femoral head and neck jigs, which were 3D printed and used intra-operatively to guide for adequate and optimum excision of bone at head neck junction. We found these customized jigs accurate and useful for the surgery. However, a comparison study with various other techniques is warranted for a detailed research on its usefulness and challenges. The main purpose of this article is to elaborate on the technical steps for designing of jigs for 3D printing to guide in osteochondroplasty surgery for FAI.     

The evolution of three-dimensional technology in musculoskeletal oncology

Musculoskeletal tumours pose considerable challenges for the orthopaedic surgeon during pre-operative planning, resection and reconstruction. Improvements in imaging technology have improved the diagnostic process of these tumours. Despite this, studies have highlighted the difficulties in achieving consistent resection free margins especially in tumours of the pelvis and spine when using conventional methods. Three-dimensional technology – three-dimensional printing and navigation technology – while relatively new, may have the potential to prove useful in the musculoskeletal tumour surgeon's arsenal. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) allows the production of objects by adding material layer by layer rather than subtraction from raw materials as performed conventionally. High resolution imaging, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to print highly complex and accurate items. Powder-based printing, vat polymerization-based printing and droplet-based printing are the common 3DP technologies applied. 3DP has been utilized pre-operatively in surgical planning and intra-operatively for patient specific instruments and custom made prosthesis. Pre-operative 3DP models transfer information to the surgeon in a concise yet exhaustive manner. Patient specific instruments are customized 3DP instruments utilized with the intention to easily replicate surgical plans. Complex musculoskeletal tumours pose reconstructive challenges and standard implants are often unable to reconstruct defects satisfactorily. The ability to use custom materials and tailor the pore size, elastic modulus and porosity of the 3DP prosthesis to be comparable to the patient's bone allows for a potential patient-specific prosthesis with unique incorporation and longevity properties. Similarly, navigation technology utilizes CT or MRI images to provides surgeons with real time intraoperative three-dimensional calibration of instruments. It has been shown to potentially allow surgeons to perform more accurate resections. These technological advancements have the potential to greatly impact the management of musculoskeletal tumours. 3D planning models, patient-specific instruments and customized 3DP implants and navigation should not be thought of as separate, but rather, patient-specific adaptation of relevant modes of application should be selected on a case-by-case basis when taking all unique factors of each case into consideration.