Current Concepts in the Resection of Bone Tumors Using a Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Printed Cutting Guide

Curr Oncol. 2023 Mar 29;30(4):3859-3870. doi: 10.3390/curroncol30040292.

Abstract

Orthopedic oncology has begun to use three-dimensional-printing technology, which is expected to improve the accuracy of osteotomies, ensure a safe margin, and facilitate precise surgery. However, several difficulties should be considered. Cadaver and clinical studies have reported more accurate osteotomies for bone-tumor resection using patient-specific cutting guides, especially in challenging areas such as the sacrum and pelvis, compared to manual osteotomies. Patient-specific cutting guides can help surgeons achieve resection with negative margins and reduce blood loss and operating time. Furthermore, this patient-specific cutting guide could be combined with more precise reconstruction using patient-specific implants or massive bone allografts. This review provides an overview of the basic technologies used in the production of patient-specific cutting guides and discusses their current status, advantages, and limitations. Moreover, we summarize cadaveric and clinical studies on the use of these guides in orthopedic oncology.

Keywords: bone tumor; limb-sparing surgery; orthopedic oncology; patient-specific implant; patients-specific guide; pelvic tumor; three-dimensional printed guide; tumor of the sacrum.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Bone and Bones
  • Humans
  • Osteotomy / methods
  • Pelvis
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional

Grants and funding

This study received no external funding.