3D PRINTING IN ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY: CURRENT APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
TL;DR
The analyzed literature suggests that 3D printing may improve surgical precision and reduce operative time in selected orthopedic applications and has considerable potential to support precision and personalized approaches in orthopedic surgery.
Abstract
Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is one of the fastest-developing innovations in contemporary orthopedic surgery, supporting the transition from conventional treatment approaches toward precision and personalized reconstructive medicine. Aim The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the current applications of 3D printing in orthopedic surgery, including preoperative planning, anatomical models, patient-specific surgical guides, customized implants, biomaterials, and bioprinting, and to identify the main limitations and future directions of these technologies. Materials and Methods This narrative review included 46 English-language publications published between January 2017 and March 2026. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with the final search conducted on June 30, 2026. Original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and narrative reviews directly relevant to 3D printing in orthopedic surgery were included. Results The analyzed literature suggests that 3D printing may improve surgical precision and reduce operative time in selected orthopedic applications. Anatomical models generated from CT and MRI data support preoperative planning and surgical team preparation. Patient-specific surgical guides may improve the accuracy of planned osteotomies and implant positioning. Customized implants, particularly those manufactured from titanium alloys, offer favorable biomechanical properties and may support osseointegration. Bioprinting is a promising experimental approach for the regeneration of articular cartilage and bone tissue, although its clinical application remains limited. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing has considerable potential to support precision and personalized approaches in orthopedic surgery. Its most established applications include anatomical models and patient-specific surgical guides, whereas customized implants require further clinical validation and bioprinting remains largely investigational. Broader implementation is still limited by economic, technological, regulatory, and methodological challenges.