Custom 3D implants for managing bone defects-indications and lessons learned
Trompeter, Alex Agrawal, Somen Mangwani, Jitendra Davies, Mark B
Trompeter, Alex
Agrawal, Somen
Mangwani, Jitendra
Davies, Mark B
Abstract
Bone defects and non-unions present some of the most complex challenges in trauma and orthopaedics, often necessitating prolonged and resource-intensive reconstruction. Custom 3D-printed implants offer a promising, anatomically tailored solution when conventional techniques are insufficient. Their safe and effective use requires meticulous patient selection, considering host status, soft tissue integrity, infection risk, and overall medical fitness of patients. A structured, multidisciplinary approach, including shared decision-making, comprehensive informed consent, and consideration for potential staged surgery is essential to optimise outcomes. High-quality, protocol-driven imaging, particularly weightbearing radiographs and detailed cross-sectional imaging is critical to achieve accurate implant design and successful implantation. Custom implant design is a patient-specific process built on close collaboration between the surgeon's clinical knowledge and the engineer's design experience.
MIDER Authors
Affiliations
University of London; Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; Sheffield Orthopaedics Ltd
Date
2025-12-26
Type
Article
Subject
Collections
Citation
Trompeter A, Agrawal S, Mangwani J, Davies MB. Custom 3D implants for managing bone defects-indications and lessons learned. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Dec 26;36(1):62. doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04635-4. Erratum in: Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2026 Feb 3;36(1):94. doi: 10.1007/s00590-026-04684-3. PMID: 41452526