Systematic review of customized 3D printing for pediatric fracture immobilization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17611678Keywords:
3D printing, fractures, pediatricsAbstract
The study analyzed recent scientific evidence on the application of personalized three-dimensional (3D) printing in the immobilization of pediatric fractures, using a systematic review with a qualitative approach based on the PRISMA methodology, which used scientific articles from the last 10 years from scientific databases, obtaining 26 studies for analysis. The results showed that this technology offered an innovative alternative to conventional methods, allowing anatomically accurate, lightweight, and comfortable immobilization for children. Several studies demonstrated improvements in skin ventilation, hygiene, aesthetic acceptance, and functional recovery, reducing complications associated with the use of traditional casts. In addition, it was identified that 3D printing has not only clinical applications, but also educational and surgical planning applications, strengthening the integration between medicine, engineering, and digital technology. However, limitations were noted related to the lack of standardization, production costs, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks for its safe implementation. In conclusion, customized 3D printing has established itself as a promising tool for pediatric orthopedics, with the potential to transform traditional therapeutic approaches toward more personalized, efficient, and sustainable models, provided that research continues into its clinical validation and regulatory integration into healthcare systems.
Downloads
References
Agarwal, R., Malhotra, S., Gupta, V., & Jain, V. (2022). The application of Three-dimensional printing on foot fractures and deformities: A mini-review. Annals of 3D Printed Medicine, 5, 100046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stlm.2022.100046
Ahmed, M., Tomlin, S., Tuleu, C., & Garfield, S. (2024). Real-World Evidence of 3D Printing of Personalised Paediatric Medicines and Evaluating Its Potential in Children with Cancer: A Scoping Review. Pharmaceutics, 16(9), 1212. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091212
Bellia-Munzon, G., Martinez, J., Toselli, L., Nazar Peirano, M., Sanjurjo, D., Vallee, M., & Martinez-Ferro, M. (2020). From bench to bedside: 3D reconstruction and printing as a valuable tool for the chest wall surgeon. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 55(12), 2703-2709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.07.010
Benady, A., Gortzak, Y., Ovadia, D., Golden, E., Sigal, A., Taylor, L. A., Paranjape, C., Solomon, D., & Gigi, R. (2025). Advancements and applications of 3D printing in pediatric orthopedics: A comprehensive review. Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics, 19(2), 119-138. https://doi.org/10.1177/18632521251318552
Broggi-Angulo, A., Salas-Moscoso, E., Macarlupú-Atarama, J. A., & Broggi-Ruiz, A. G. (2023). Planificación e impresión en 3D en reconstrucción facial por fractura múltiple de alta complejidad en un paciente pediátrico: A propósito, un caso. Investigación e Innovación Clínica y Quirúrgica Pediátrica, 1(2), 63-68. https://doi.org/10.59594/iicqp.2023.v1n2.67
Calderone, D., Cesarelli, G., Ricciardi, C., Amato, F., & Clemente, F. (2024). 3D printing application for orthopedic pediatric surgery – a systematic review. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 30(11), 276-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-05-2024-0222
Cano, P., Calvo-Haro, J. A., Fillat-Gomà, F., Andrés-Cano, I., & Perez-Mañanes, R. (2021). Papel del cirujano ortopédico y traumatólogo en la impresión 3D: Aplicaciones actuales y aspectos legales para una medicina personalizada. Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, 65(2), 138-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.recot.2020.06.014
Chen, Y.-J., Lin, H., Zhang, X., Huang, W., Shi, L., & Wang, D. (2017). Application of 3D–printed and patient-specific cast for the treatment of distal radius fractures: Initial experience. 3D Printing in Medicine, 3(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-017-0019-y
Garay, A. L., Cinalli, M., Fernández, L., Inchaurregui, F., Ruesta Alava, J. A., Arrieta, A., & Bazán, P. L. (2024). Uso de modelos de impresión 3D en Ortopedia y Traumatología: Serie de casos. Revista de la Asociación Argentina de Ortopedia y Traumatología, 89(3), 266-274. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2024.89.3.1839
Gobbato, B., Moya, D., Menor Fusaro, F., & Valente, S. (2022). Guía práctica de planificación e impresión 3D en Ortopedia y Traumatología. Revista de la Asociación Argentina de Ortopedia y Traumatología, 87(1), 122-130. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2022.87.1.1416
Goetstouwers, S., Kempink, D., The, B., Eygendaal, D., Van Oirschot, B., & Van Bergen, C. J. (2022). Three-dimensional printing in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. World Journal of Orthopedics, 13(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5312/wjo.v13.i1.1
Higgins, M. J., Gomez, R. W., Storino, M., Wang, N., Strouse, A., Zook, Z., Coffield, K., & Greenhill, D. A. (2025). 3D-Printed Casts Improve Patient-Reported Function and Satisfaction in Children With Stable Fracture Patterns. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 45(9), 546-551. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000003009
Hui, T., Wang, J., Yu, Y., Qiang, L., Dong, H., & Lin, W. (2025). Clinical study of 3D printing template in the treatment of pediatric distal tibial epiphyseal fracture. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 26(1), 365. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08632-w
Ianno, V., Vurpillot, S., Prillieux, S., & Espeau, P. (2024). Pediatric Formulations Developed by Extrusion-Based 3D Printing: From Past Discoveries to Future Prospects. Pharmaceutics, 16(4), 441. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040441
Katt, B., Imbergamo, C., Seigerman, D., Rivlin, M., & Beredjiklian, P. K. (2020). The use of 3D printed customized casts in children with upper extremity fractures: A report of two cases. The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, Online First. https://doi.org/10.22038/abjs.2020.47722.2342
Khorsandi, D., Fahimipour, A., Abasian, P., Saber, S. S., Seyedi, M., Ghanavati, S., Ahmad, A., De Stephanis, A. A., Taghavinezhaddilami, F., Leonova, A., Mohammadinejad, R., Shabani, M., Mazzolai, B., Mattoli, V., Tay, F. R., & Makvandi, P. (2021). 3D and 4D printing in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: Printing techniques, materials, and applications. Acta Biomaterialia, 122, 26-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.044
Mantrana, G., Jacobo, O., Hartwing, D., & Giachero, V. (2018). Modelos de impresión tridimensional en la planificación preoperatoria y en la enseñanza académica de las fracturas mandibulares. Cirugía Plástica Ibero-Latinoamericana, 44(2), 193-201. https://doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922018000200012
Matteson, E., Blackburn, J., Vincent, C., Carter, H., Quinn, M., Paull, F., Hare, A., Sims, M., & Schmitt, D. M. (2025). 3D-Printed Orthoses vs Conventional Immobilization Methods for Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures. JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants, 13(3), e25.00006. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.JOPA.25.00006
Moya, D., Gobbato, B., Valente, S., & Roca, R. (2022). Uso de planificación preoperatoria e impresión 3D en ortopedia y traumatología: Ingresando en una nueva era. Acta Ortopédica Mexicana, 36(1), 39-47. https://doi.org/10.35366/106758
Naehan, A., & Volkan, C. (2024). Current applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in pediatric dentistry: A literature review. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 48(5), 4. https://doi.org/10.22514/jocpd.2024.099
Raza, M., Murphy, D., & Gelfer, Y. (2021). The effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing on quantitative and qualitative outcomes in paediatric orthopaedic osteotomies: A systematic review. EFORT Open Reviews, 6(2), 130-138. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.6.200092
Tsai, A. Y., & Greene, A. C. (2024). 3D printing in pediatric surgery. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 33(1), 151385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2024.151385
Van Lieshout, E. M. M., Verhofstad, M. H. J., Beens, L. M., Van Bekkum, J. J. J., Willemsen, F., Janzing, H. M. J., & Van Vledder, M. G. (2022). Personalized 3D-printed forearm braces as an alternative for a traditional plaster cast or splint; A systematic review. Injury, 53, S47-S52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2022.07.020
Vukicevic, M., Mosadegh, B., Min, J. K., & Little, S. H. (2017). Cardiac 3D Printing and its Future Directions. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, 10(2), 171-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2016.12.001
Xu, C., Wang, L., Zhang, M., Li, X., & Li, K. (2025). A clinical study on the application of three-dimensionally printed splints combined with finite element analysis in paediatric distal radius fractures. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13, 1559762. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1559762
Yang, S., Lin, H., & Luo, C. (2021). Meta-Analysis of 3D Printing Applications in Traumatic Fractures. Frontiers in Surgery, 8, 696391. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.696391
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Doménica Vanessa Carrera Abarca, Michelle Stephanie Baño Romero, Evelyn Estefanía Morales Taipe, Lizbeth Carolina Llanga Herrera

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The journal is licensed under the Attribution License (CC BY), allowing the possibility of copying, distributing, displaying, and producing derivative works, as long as the author is acknowledged and cited.







