Progress in clinical application of 3D printed navigational template in orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic 3D printed surgical navigational template is an instrument that is prepared by 3D reconstruction based on preoperative radiological data of the patient using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing techniques. The 3D printed navigational template allows accurate intra-operative assessment of the relative spatial distance, angular relationship, direction and depth. The application of 3D printed navigational template technique in orthopedics surgeries achieves the conversion of preoperative planning from 2/3D graphics to 3D models, and provides a new method for individualized and precise treatment. Herein we review the evolution, clinical application, and basic classification of 3D printed navigation template technique, analyze its advantages and disadvantages, and discuss the current problems and the future development of this technique.