To review all clinical trials registered in international registries that utilize 3D printing (3DP) in medicine, highlighting the significance of these trials in advancing clinical applications.
Key Findings:
92 trials matched the inclusion criteria, involving 6252 patients, indicating a growing interest in 3DP applications.
Most trials were registered in China (45.65%), followed by the USA and Egypt, suggesting regional trends in research focus.
Orthopedics had the highest number of trials (27.17%), followed by Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, reflecting the current clinical priorities.
Interpretation:
The review indicates a significant increase in 3DP clinical trials post-2015, reflecting a transition from feasibility studies to serious implementation and routine clinical use, which may enhance patient outcomes.
Limitations:
Diversity of 3DP implementations prevents statistical or pooled analysis, which may limit the generalizability of findings.
Current trials are primarily limited to a few medical fields, indicating a need for broader exploration across specialties.
Conclusion:
The review highlights the rapid growth and potential of 3DP in clinical settings, while also addressing barriers to broader adoption, such as high costs and lack of empirical evidence, which must be overcome to fully realize its benefits.
Burnout is easing. Sleep science is getting weird. And dental schools have been winging cadaver training for 50 years. This week's research is full of good news that immediately complicates itself.
