The Use of Patient-Specific Implants for the Treatment of Upper Extremity Fractures

Sneha R Rao; Gregory F Pereira; Marc J Richard

doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2023.05.002

The Use of Patient-Specific Implants for the Treatment of Upper Extremity Fractures

Hand Clin. 2023 Nov;39(4):489-503. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2023.05.002. Epub 2023 Aug 20.

Authors

Sneha R Rao¹, Gregory F Pereira², Marc J Richard²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3000, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: sneha.rao@duke.edu.
² Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3000, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

PMID: 37827602
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2023.05.002

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the use of three-dimensional (3-D) printed patient-specific implants in the management of upper extremity fractures. Traditional fracture fixation methods involve the use of standard-sized implants, which may not adequately address the needs of every patient, particularly those who have complications related to fracture nonunion or malunion and those who have significant bone loss. The benefits and limitations of this technology are also discussed, along with considerations for implementation in clinical practice. Overall, the use of 3-D printed patient-specific implants holds promise for improving the accuracy and efficacy of upper extremity fracture management.

Keywords: 3-D printing; Malunion; Patient-specific instrumentation; Personalized surgery.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arm Injuries*
Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
Fractures, Bone* / surgery
Humans
Treatment Outcome
Upper Extremity / surgery