3D列印於骨腫瘤手術之應用

Application of 3D Printing Technology in Bone Tumor Surgery

The recent surge of 3D printing technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, as the ＂additive＂ instead of ＂substractive＂ nature of this process allows for the creation of objects of virtually any shape and geometry. Introduction of 3D printing into the manufacturing process of medical implants holds great potential for bone tumor surgery, wherein optimal resection margins are difficult to obtain and massive bone defects pose significant challenge for reconstruction. Currently an allograft or prosthesis that perfectly matches the patient's native anatomy after tumor resection is hard to come by. Therefore, surgeons often encounter difficulties in achieving an anatomically-fit, immediately-stable construct that is also highly functional and durable in the long run. 3D printing technology has been utilized in creating 3D tumor models, patient-specific resection guides, and anatomically-shaped prostheses tailored to individual patient's unique needs. These applications have made it easier for surgeons to provide pre-operative counseling, formulate surgical plan, carry out planned resection and achieve individualized reconstruction. It is hoped that advances in bone tissue engineering and in material science will complement 3D-printed instrument and implants in the future so that surgeons can perform reconstructions that are immediately stable, instantly ready to use, and well-integrated with the host bone overtime.