Riassunto dello studio

Three randomized controlled trials including 144 patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing 3D printing-assisted open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus conventional ORIF. Pooled outcomes of interest included mean surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy time, complication rates, quality of reduction, functional outcomes, and time to fracture union. The pooled results indicated significantly shorter operating times and reduced intraoperative blood loss in the 3D-printed group compared to the conventional group. While the 3D-printed group also tended to have fewer complications and better functional outcomes, these differences were not statistically significant. The main findings suggest that 3D printing-assisted surgery offers several benefits, especially in reducing operating time and blood loss, which could indirectly lower other complications such as infections.