Clinical Integration of 3-Dimensional Printing in Shoulder Surgery: Current Applications, Evidence, and Future Directions: A Narrative Review.

JBJS Rev · Feb 01 2026 · Review

Bagheri N, Guity M, Salkhori O, Kalantar SH, Khabiri SS, Mortazavi SM, et al.

Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Shoulder & Elbow

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis narrative review covers 3D printing in shoulder surgery, from anatomical models to patient-specific guides and implants for fractures, instability, arthroplasty, and tumors, noting cost, production time, and limited long-term evidence.
Abstract, as published

» Three-dimensional printing improves shoulder surgery by creating precise anatomical models for better planning and visualization.» Patient-specific guides and implants enhance accuracy, shorten surgery time, and lead to better functional outcomes in complex procedures.» Used effectively in fractures, instability, joint replacement, corrective bone surgery, and tumor reconstruction to support safer and more predictable surgery.» Challenges include high cost, time required for production, and limited long-term clinical evidence; future advancements include artificial intelligence and augmented reality to improve efficiency and personalization.

Featured in the 2026-11-01 issue.

← Age- and time-specific management of traumatic anterior shoul…A feasibility study to empower patients with individualised p… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.