3D printing technologies in the treatment of patients with injuries and diseases of the forearm and hand

In the last decade, the range of applications of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) in surgery has been expanding. In traumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation of injuries of the upper limbs, there is growing interest in creating splints and orthoses that can take into account the individual anatomical features of the human body. Traditional orthoses and splints are not always convenient and can lead to undesirable consequences such as pain, swelling, pressure, or even lack of therapeutic effect. The prospects of 3D printing technology in medicine from the beginning of its mass introduction, the features of modeling, manufacturing and application of means for immobilization of injuries and diseases of the upper extremities according to domestic and foreign publications over the past 5 years are considered. The data on the functionality of 3D-printed tire structures and orthoses used to immobilize the upper limb are analyzed in comparison with traditional methods of fixation. Three-dimensional images of patients with injuries obtained using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or using a 3D scanner can be used to create virtual 3D models of the forearm, wrist, fingers of the patient, and 3D printing with these anatomical models allows you to create personalized tires and orthoses. Thanks to an individual approach and the use of various solutions, three-dimensional printing can be widely used in traumatology and orthopedics. As a result of this approach, it becomes possible to implement and effectively use a variety of solutions that will find support in healthcare.

additive technologies, 3D printing, 3D printer, three-dimensional modeling, fixation, bone, forearm, hand, fingers, fractures, immobilization, splints, orthoses