Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42471542›Full record

ReviewAnnals of biomedical engineering2026

Emerging Technologies for Assisted Fracture Reduction: A Systematic Review.

J Forssling, P Andreasen, T R Savarimuthu, B Oliveira

Abstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Annals of biomedical engineering, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing 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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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

4 authors.

J Forssling *Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU Robotics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense, Denmark.
P Andreasen *Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU Robotics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense, Denmark.
T R SavarimuthuMaersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU Robotics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense, Denmark.
B OliveiraMaersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU Robotics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense, Denmark. broli@mmmi.sdu.dk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1616-2234

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBone fractures pose a major healthcare challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. Achieving excellent fracture reduction is critical for successful outcomes yet remains difficult with current surgical tools. Poor reduction quality contributes significantly to implant failure and reoperation rates. Consequently, various technology-assisted solutions such as 3D printing, robotics, and computer-assisted systems have been proposed to support surgeons in achieving optimal reduction. This article presents a systematic review of these emerging technologies designed to support fracture reduction.

methodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted on October 31, 2025, covering studies published between January 2016 and October 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on new technologies applied pre- or intraoperatively to assist fracture reduction. After screening and applying exclusion criteria, 62 studies were included and categorized into three domains: 3D printing (including anatomical models, surgical guides/tools, and implants), Robot-Assisted Fracture Reduction (RAFR), and computer-assisted technologies. Reported outcomes included operative time, blood loss, radiation exposure, reduction quality, and functional recovery.

results3D printing was the most frequently studied, primarily through anatomical models, mirror models, and patient-specific surgical guides. Across studies, 3D printing consistently reduced operative time (16-50%) and blood loss (15-75%) compared with conventional methods, though limited by long production times and regulatory constraints. RAFR systems, particularly navigation-focused platforms, demonstrated reduced radiation exposure (20-60%) and improved surgical precision. Computer-assisted approaches are emerging but with limited clinical validation to date.

conclusionsTechnology-assisted solutions can provide measurable benefits in the reduction of fractures. Among the reviewed technologies, navigation-based RAFR systems and 3D-printed surgical guides appear to have relatively stronger clinical support, though evidence remains limited. However, significant barriers remain, including workflow integration, cost, and regulatory approval. Future research should focus on accelerating translation from prototype to practice, with emphasis on clinical validation and real-time usability.

Indexed as

3D printingComputer-assistedDigital simulationFracture reductionOrthopedic surgeryRobotics

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

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.