Three-dimensional technologies in orthopedics

New 3-dimensional digital technologies are revolutionizing orthopedic clinical practice, allowing structures of any complexity to be manufactured in just hours. Such technologies can make surgery for complex cases more precise, more cost-effective, and possibly easier to perform. Applications include preoperative planning, surgical simulation, patient-specific instrumentation and implants, bioprinting, prosthetics, and orthotics. The basic principles of 3-dimensional technologies, including imaging, design, numerical simulation, and printing, and their current applications in orthopedics are reviewed. © 2018 Slack Incorporated. All rights reserved