Orthopaedic Surgery Essay

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Orthopaedic surgery can be challenging, especially in the case of joint replacement. Three-dimensional (3D) printing also known as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping can construct physical models from computer-aided design software. This technology provides a precise, fast and cheap way to produce certain joints and any respective guides to either prepare for surgery or to actually replace the joint itself. Benefits are immediate, such as shortening operating time (which in turn lessens blood loss, exposure time to anaesthesia and wound exposure time), making the surgical procedure easier and more efficient as well as curbing healing time. Prosthesis for joint replacement is custom made by 3D printers for a better fit than standard …show more content…

For any successful surgery whether it is reconstruction or joint replacement, careful preoperative evaluation and planning must be done. For most implant failures, it can occur for three reasons: the prosthesis was implanted inappropriately, the design had deficiencies or it was manufactured improperly even though the design was decent.2 The prosthesis being incorrectly planted can arise from improper preoperative planning. A person’s body comprises of many complexities and exclusive characteristics that make 3D models ideal for preparation. Working only with a CAT scan or MRI is not as informative as with a 3D model because those scans are often seen on a flat screen in 2 dimensions. With 3D printing, anatomical models for surgical preparation can be produced. Having a physical model of the individual’s anatomy readily available is preferred. The intricacies of the person’s body can be more accurately examined and it also makes it more convenient for the surgeon to deduce the best course of action for performing the surgery. This is because the model is printed in high detail and specificity with the exact values provided by the CAT scan, which means it is nearly identical to the person’s anatomy. Preoperative planning is one of the main concerns for surgeons because significant decisions concerning the operation are taken when the patient is cut open and any failure would mean another procedure, which money and health wise is quite

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