Three-Dimensional Printing and Surgical Simulation for Preoperative Planning of Deformity Correction in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

A paucity of published data is available describing the methods for the integration of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology and surgical simulation into orthopedic surgery. The cost of this technology has decreased and the ease of use has increased, making routine use of 3D printed models and surgical simulation for difficult orthopedic problems a realistic option. We report the use of 3D printed models and surgical simulation for preoperative planning and patient education in the case of deformity correction in foot and ankle surgery using open source, free software.