Evidence map›Paper›PMID 33968548›Full record

ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2021

Three-dimensional Printing in Plastic Surgery: Current Applications, Future Directions, and Ethical Implications.

Alex Q Lynn, Lacey R Pflibsen, Anthony A Smith, Alanna M Rebecca, Chad M Teven

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 16 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
16citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

16 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Efficacy of Three-Dimensional Printing in the Management of Frontal Bone Trauma.Journal of neurological surgery. Part B, Skull base · 2025
    Article
  4. Review
  5. Rapid-printed Three-dimensional Models for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2024
    Article
  6. Advancing Precision Rhinoplasty: Preoperative Digital 3D Surgical Planning.Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India · 2024
    Article
  7. Article
  8. Article
  9. Article
  10. Article
  11. Article
  12. Article
  13. Review
  14. Article
  15. Article
  16. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Alex Q LynnMidwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, Ariz.
Lacey R PflibsenDivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz.
Anthony A SmithDivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz.
Alanna M RebeccaDivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz.
Chad M TevenDivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThree-dimensional printing (3DP) is a rapidly advancing tool that has revolutionized plastic surgery. With ongoing research and development of new technology, surgeons can use 3DP for surgical planning, medical education, biological implants, and more. This literature review aims to summarize the currently published literature on 3DP's impact on plastic surgery.

methodsA literature review was performed using Pubmed and MEDLINE from 2016 to 2020 by 2 independent authors. Keywords used for literature search included 3-dimensional (3D), three-dimensional printing (3DP), printing, plastic, surgery, applications, prostheses, implants, medical education, bioprinting, and preoperative planning. All studies from the database queries were eligible for inclusion. Studies not in English, not pertaining to plastic surgery and 3DP, or focused on animal data were excluded.

resultsIn total, 373 articles were identified. Sixteen articles satisfied all inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were further analyzed by the authors. Most studies were either retrospective cohort studies, case reports, or case series and with 1 study being prospective in design.

conclusions3DP has consistently shown to be useful in the field of plastic surgery with improvements on multiple aspects, including the delivery of safe, effective methods of treating patients while improving patient satisfaction. Although the current technology may limit the ability of true bioprinting, research has shown safe and effective ways to incorporate biological material into the 3D printed scaffolds or implants. With an overwhelmingly positive outlook on 3DP and potential for more applications with updated technology, 3DP shall remain as an effective tool for the field of plastic surgery.

Identifiers

PMID33968548
PMCPMC8099403

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.