3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis

In recent years, the application of 3D-printed implant cages or trusses for foot arthrodesis has emerged as a personalized approach to address complex bone defects and deformities. Twenty studies involving different regions of the foot, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, were reviewed to documen...

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Main Authors: Iozefina Botezatu, Dan Lăptoiu, Diana Popescu, Rodica Marinescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/969
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author Iozefina Botezatu
Dan Lăptoiu
Diana Popescu
Rodica Marinescu
author_facet Iozefina Botezatu
Dan Lăptoiu
Diana Popescu
Rodica Marinescu
author_sort Iozefina Botezatu
collection DOAJ
description In recent years, the application of 3D-printed implant cages or trusses for foot arthrodesis has emerged as a personalized approach to address complex bone defects and deformities. Twenty studies involving different regions of the foot, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, were reviewed to document the 3D-printed custom solutions. The design of these implants is also discussed, including custom titanium trusses and lattice structures, which can promote osseointegration and fit the bone geometries. From a mechanical perspective, these implants proved to be stable and compatible with natural bone, aiming to reduce stress shielding while offering the mechanical strength needed for optimal outcomes. This systematic survey also addresses the additive manufacturing processes involved, namely EBM, SLM, or DMLS. Clinical cases were focused on patients with large bone loss, failed prior fusions, and deformity corrections, with the follow-up results showing high rates of fusion and functional improvement. Of the analyzed studies, three provide level III evidence, while the rest provide level IV or V, consisting of case series or reports. Since 2015, 148 patients have been reported to receive such implants. This review addresses the question, “how effective are 3D-printed titanium cage implants in foot arthrodesis in addressing large bone defects and deformities?” It is the first review to gather data on the use of such customized implants in foot arthrodesis, providing critical insights to enhance their application, including amputation avoidance. This study highlights the advantages of personalized 3D-printed implants in achieving a better anatomical fit, improving clinical outcomes, and ensuring faster recovery times, while also addressing considerations such as the cost and the need for long-term clinical data.
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spelling doaj-art-340bff9a7b4b40979122230244b3aab32025-01-24T13:21:31ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-0115296910.3390/app150209693D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot ArthrodesisIozefina Botezatu0Dan Lăptoiu1Diana Popescu2Rodica Marinescu3Department of Orthopedics, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, RomaniaDepartment of Orthopedics, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, RomaniaFaculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, RomaniaDepartment of Orthopedics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, RomaniaIn recent years, the application of 3D-printed implant cages or trusses for foot arthrodesis has emerged as a personalized approach to address complex bone defects and deformities. Twenty studies involving different regions of the foot, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, were reviewed to document the 3D-printed custom solutions. The design of these implants is also discussed, including custom titanium trusses and lattice structures, which can promote osseointegration and fit the bone geometries. From a mechanical perspective, these implants proved to be stable and compatible with natural bone, aiming to reduce stress shielding while offering the mechanical strength needed for optimal outcomes. This systematic survey also addresses the additive manufacturing processes involved, namely EBM, SLM, or DMLS. Clinical cases were focused on patients with large bone loss, failed prior fusions, and deformity corrections, with the follow-up results showing high rates of fusion and functional improvement. Of the analyzed studies, three provide level III evidence, while the rest provide level IV or V, consisting of case series or reports. Since 2015, 148 patients have been reported to receive such implants. This review addresses the question, “how effective are 3D-printed titanium cage implants in foot arthrodesis in addressing large bone defects and deformities?” It is the first review to gather data on the use of such customized implants in foot arthrodesis, providing critical insights to enhance their application, including amputation avoidance. This study highlights the advantages of personalized 3D-printed implants in achieving a better anatomical fit, improving clinical outcomes, and ensuring faster recovery times, while also addressing considerations such as the cost and the need for long-term clinical data.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/969additive manufacturingcustomized implantcagetrussfootarthrodesis
spellingShingle Iozefina Botezatu
Dan Lăptoiu
Diana Popescu
Rodica Marinescu
3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
Applied Sciences
additive manufacturing
customized implant
cage
truss
foot
arthrodesis
title 3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
title_full 3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
title_fullStr 3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
title_full_unstemmed 3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
title_short 3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
title_sort 3d printed customized cages for foot arthrodesis
topic additive manufacturing
customized implant
cage
truss
foot
arthrodesis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/969
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AT danlaptoiu 3dprintedcustomizedcagesforfootarthrodesis
AT dianapopescu 3dprintedcustomizedcagesforfootarthrodesis
AT rodicamarinescu 3dprintedcustomizedcagesforfootarthrodesis