Perioperative Considerations for Use of Custom Metallic Implants in Limb Reconstruction

Abstract

Summary: The surgical management of critical bone defects remains challenging. Regardless of whether bone loss is acute or the result of staged surgical resection, current surgical management often requires advanced reconstructive techniques, many of which require multiple surgical procedures and consistent patient involvement with applied internal or external orthopaedic devices. The utilization of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has continued to expand across orthopaedic subspecialties; in orthopaedic trauma, custom metallic implants are being used in the management of critical bone defects. Implementation of this technique may be advantageous in certain clinical situations. The perioperative considerations for placement of a custom bone defect printed metallic implant are presented in conjunction with demonstrative clinical cases.