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A study from the University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital has shown potential for a cost savings of $2,700 when using a 3D-printed model for orthopaedic surgical planning. The savings derives from a reduction in surgery times by 38 to 45 minutes per case through preparation on a 3D-printed model of the patient’s hip joint.
The team detailed their findings in the Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics, including ten patients undergoing treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis in the study. In five of the procedures, 3D-printed models were used to prepare, while no models were used in the second group of five. Outcomes revealed a 25% reduction in surgery time when the 3D-printed models were used, resulting in cost savings.
Universities and hospitals around the world have published similar study results. Industry has responded to these findings by collaborating on the development of clinical evidence guidelines to overcome reimbursement hurdles in the use of anatomical models and cutting guides.
The SME Medical Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Workgroup is spearheading development efforts by convening all stakeholders—manufacturers, clinicians, technology providers—to build these guidelines, prove the technology and expand its adoption.
