Promoter of the Italian Digital Biomanufacturing Network (IDBN), Dr. Nicola Bizzotto Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon – Hand Surgeon of the Dolomiti Sportclinic in Ortisei-Bolzano, Sud Tirol,Italy, has been a first adopter of 3D printing in pre-surgical preparation and a strong supporter of its benefits. Most recently with a group of Italian surgeons and a Swiss colleague (Dr. Ivan Tami, “Centro Manoegomito”, Clinica Ars Medica, Lugano), Dr. Bizzotto had a study published on the Injury scientific journal detailing the advantages in the use of 3D printed specifically in distal radius (wrist) fractures.
Working for an orthopedic and trauma clinic that treats several professional winter sports athletes, Dr. Bizzotto has built up significant experience in treating wrist related injuries. He had a key role in the clinic’s decision to become the first of its kind to adopt 3D printing in addition to digital tomography data to physically reproduce the injuries of wrist and hand.
The Three Key Advantage of Medical 3D Printing
“The advantages in the use of 3D printing immediately became clear in three main aspects of patient treatment,” said Dr. Bizzotto. “The physical 3D model is used primarily for studying and preparing the surgical intervention as well as to select the ideal surgical plate. This translates into an immediate reduction of operating times and costs. One additional benefit is the use of the 3D printed model in patient-doctor communication.” Read More…
