🔍 Key Findings
- 3D-printed models using desktop printers (FDM, LFS) showed submillimetric accuracy, comparable to or better than industrial-grade PJP printers.
- Bone size had a greater effect on print accuracy than printer type, especially in proximal humerus regions.
- The humeral condyle region showed the greatest model accuracy, with mean differences under 0.5 mm, regardless of printer.
- Models tended to be slightly smaller than cadaveric bones, potentially due to systematic underestimation during printing.
- FDM printer provided the highest accuracy at the humeral condyle in medium-sized bones (+0.09 mm).
- LFS printer produced prints faster and more reliably than FDM, although both had comparable dimensional accuracy.
- Statistically significant differences existed, but all were submillimetric and unlikely to impact surgical outcomes.
- Desktop printers are suitable for surgical planning, including plate pre-contouring and patient-specific instrumentation.
