The use of 3D printing technology in limb reconstruction. Inspirations and challenges

Abstract

The management of septic non-unions with associated bone necrosis is challenging, especially when the resulting bone defect after the debridement is extensile. Different techniques have been described in the literature for the treatment of these demanding cases, with the most prominent being free vascularized Fibular graft and bone transport with distraction osteogenesis principles. Recently, 3D printing technology has been increasingly utilized in many complex orthopaedic pathologies. However, the application of those advancements regarding septic non-unions with residual bone defect has not been previously studied. This study presents a novel 3D printing technique for the management of an infected critical bone deficit of the tibia. Queries, challenges and future perspectives concerning the recruiting of 3D printing technology in limb reconstruction are also being discussed.Clinical Evidence Level: IV.

Keywords

• Three dimension printing
• Septic non-union
• Ankle arthrodesis
• Bone transport