ABSTRACT
Application of three-dimensional (3D) printing facilities in orthopaedic surgery is getting popular in resourceconstrained countries. It is cost- and resource-efficient to assist in planning and increasing orthopaedic procedures efficienc y. Furthermore, it improves educational training and provides cheaper prosthesis and creation of customised implants for special cases. Moreover, 3D models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data play a helpful rule for a more hands-on approach for the surgeon. Likeevidence-based medicine practice, researchers are exploring new areas of patient-specific instrumentation in the surgical field, searching for favourable and costeffective results. Three-dimensional printing has shown promising results for quick and cost-effective solutions in several fields. Many fields of application are dependent on various uses of 3D printing, but it has yet to be used widely in medicine and orthopaedics. The current literature review was planned to highlight the advantages of using 3D printing, its scope in surgical field with emphasis on orthopaedic surgery, and the limitations of its use in developing countries.
Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Orthopedic Procedures , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Models, Anatomic , Orthopedics/education , Pakistan , Prostheses and Implants , Simulation Training , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Ultrasonography (US) is a safe and noninvasive imaging modality that is gaining popularity in different medical and surgical fields. Its introduction in musculoskeletal and sports medicine has taken this advanced subspecialty to a higher level. It has the advantage over other imaging techniques with regards to ease of use, availability, comfort and cost. Not to mention, in terms of safety profile, patients are not exposed to radiations, like in x-rays, and it can be performed on patients with metal or pacemaker implants, which are contraindicated in MRI. Standard diagnostic sonography doesn't have any known harmful effects on humans. In this article we will discuss the role of ultrasound in sports medicine, highlighting the diagnostic and interventional indications, uses and limitations.
