Game-Changer for Orthopedic Pre-Surgical Planning: 3D-Printed Bones

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July 2, 2026 News 9701

In June 2026, Formon3D produced a set of 1:1 patient-specific anatomical bone models for the Orthopedics Department at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK).

The team extracted real CT data from a patient and used eSUN’s “Bone White” PLA+ filament to print the full structure, including the pelvis, sacrum, lumbar vertebrae, and femur.

In complex orthopedic surgeries, doctors often rely on CT, MRI, and on-screen 3D reconstructions. However, for severe injuries or deformities, 2D images rarely provide enough spatial awareness. This physical model allows surgeons to “touch” the patient’s anatomy before entering the operating room, intuitively evaluate surgical approaches, and plan implant positions – thereby reducing intraoperative uncertainties. It also serves as an excellent teaching tool for medical students and residents.

Why choose “Bone White” PLA+? The pelvis has many thin walls, openings, and irregular geometries, making the print take about 40–50 hours. Such a long print job demands high material stability. Formon3D reported two major advantages of this filament: first, its color closely mimics natural bone tissue, offering a realistic look that impressed the orthopedic experts involved; second, it exhibits excellent dimensional stability – with low warping, consistent extrusion, strong interlayer adhesion, and no obvious defects or errors after tens of hours of printing.

The Formon3D team noted that they regularly test various processes and materials, but for anatomical visualization, eSUN PLA+ in Bone White has proven one of the most practical solutions, thanks to its printability, accuracy, surface quality, and lifelike appearance.

Today, 3D printing in healthcare has expanded from models, guides, and rehabilitation aids to implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, and even organ construction. This practice once again confirms its direct value in preoperative planning – giving surgical decisions more confidence and less risk.