A review of 3D printing in orthopedic oncology

Abstract

Over the past four decades, advancements in adjuvant treatments of bone sarcomas have catalyzed development of novel surgical technologies that continue to improve limb salvage surgeries. To date, these technologies have made limb salvage surgery the mainstay of treatment, while limb amputations became negligible. These advancements include pre-and intra-operative imaging technologies enabling accurate 3D-preoperative planning, and intraoperative patient-specific instruments allowing accurate execution of surgical plans. The introduction of customized 3D-printed porous titanium implants gave surgeons more freedom to retain surrounding healthy tissue and optimize reconstruction fit, thereby improving quality of life and reducing comorbidities post-operatively. Creating these custom implants has brought forth novel processes, materials and technologies and given rise to a new era in orthopedic oncology.