Level C· Early human research exploring benefitsRetrospective StudyEurope PMCOpen access

Three-dimensional Printing in Plastic Surgery: Current Applications, Future Directions, and Ethical Implications

Lynn AQ., Pflibsen LR., Smith AA., Rebecca AM., Teven CM.

Retrospective Study with a reported sample of 3, published in Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open (2021) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level C· Early human research exploring benefitsEvidence level of this study

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

  • Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
  • Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
  • Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
  • Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
  • Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
Read the A–D evidence level guide

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Retrospective Study
Journal
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open (2021)
Reported sample size
3
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
33968548
PMCID
PMC8099403
DOI
10.1097/gox.0000000000003465
Citations
19

Abstract (original English)

Background Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is a rapidly advancing tool that has revolutionized plastic surgery. With ongoing research and development of new technology, surgeons can use 3DP for surgical planning, medical education, biological implants, and more. This literature review aims to summarize the currently published literature on 3DP's impact on plastic surgery. Methods A literature review was performed using Pubmed and MEDLINE from 2016 to 2020 by 2 independent authors. Keywords used for literature search included 3-dimensional (3D), three-dimensional printing (3DP), printing, plastic, surgery, applications, prostheses, implants, medical education, bioprinting, and preoperative planning. All studies from the database queries were eligible for inclusion. Studies not in English, not pertaining to plastic surgery and 3DP, or focused on animal data were excluded. Results In total, 373 articles were identified. Sixteen articles satisfied all inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were further analyzed by the authors. Most studies were either retrospective cohort studies, case reports, or case series and with 1 study being prospective in design. Conclusions 3DP has consistently shown to be useful in the field of plastic surgery with improvements on multiple aspects, including the delivery of safe, effective methods of treating patients while improving patient satisfaction.

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
  • • Without an adequate control group, treatment effects cannot be separated from other factors.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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