ArticleBone & joint research2021
3D printing in orthopaedic surgery: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials.
Article in Bone & joint research, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 44 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled 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.
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.
Who cites it
44 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Efficacy and safety of three-dimensional printing technology assisted open reduction and internal fixation versus conventional surgery in the treatment of acetabular fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2025Pooled it
- Clinical added value of 3D printed patient-specific guides in orthopedic surgery (excluding knee arthroplasty): a systematic review.Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery · 2025Pooled it
- 3D printing in fracture treatment : Current practice and best practice consensus.Unfallchirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany) · 2022Guideline
- Clinical Efficacy and Accuracy of 3D-Printed Medical Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Health science reports · 2026Review
- Three-Dimensional Printing in Pediatric Orthopaedics: Cost Analysis and Emerging Applications.Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2026Review
- Application of Personalized 3D-Printed Silicone Implants in Rhinoplasty: An Animal Experimental Study.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Article
- Review
- Biomaterials for vertebral body repair: interior augmentation and total replacement-a literature review of bone fusion outcomes in clinical studies.Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong) · 2026Review
- A novel preoperative simulation approach for pediatric kidney transplantation to support donor-recipient size matching using dialysis fluid-enhanced CT imaging and 3D printing.Frontiers in transplantation · 2026Article
- Promoting the Dissemination of 3D Printing Technology in Reconstructing Critical-Sized Defects of Long Bone and Vertebral Body Through a "Six-in-One" Targeted Teaching Method.Advances in medical education and practice · 2026Article
- Low-Cost 3D-Printed Temporal Bone Models for Surgical Simulation: A Pilot Study.Ochsner journal · 2026Article
- Mapping the Global Research Landscape of 3D Printing in Orthopedics.Orthopedic reviews · 2026Article
- Bioprinting for craniofacial reconstruction: A review of advancements, clinical use, and challenges.Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery · 2025Review
- Revolutionizing Orthopedics through Integration of Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing for Enhanced Patient Care.Indian journal of orthopaedics · 2025Review
- Establishment of Subtrochanteric Fracture in Pre-Clinical Animal Model.Orthopaedic surgery · 2025Article
- Applications of 3D printing in orthopedics: a scoping review.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2025Article
- The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence in orthopedics: comprehensive review of current benefits and challenges.Journal of robotic surgery · 2025Review
- A new individually designed 3D printing guide plate-assisted internal fixator (INFIX) surgery for the treatment of pelvic fractures.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2025Review
- The impact of 3D printing in orthopedics and traumatology: Mapping the research landscape through bibliometrics and visualized analysis.Journal of orthopaedics · 2025Article
- 3D-printed titanium vertebra in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A comparative analysis of perioperative, radiographic, and clinical outcomes.Journal of orthopaedics · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
aimsThe use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing.
methodsA literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed.
resultsOverall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications.
conclusion3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article:
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Registered trials
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.