Ruan YH, Wang P, Tang XD, Zhang Q, Yan P, Tian YG, Li CJ, Fu WP, Wang RB, Zhang CJ. Advances in bone tissue engineering and three-dimensional printing: Current strategies and future perspectives in orthopaedics. World J Orthop 2026; 17(3): 113798 [DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i3.113798]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Chang-Jiang Zhang, PhD, Second Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfu Qianjie, Erqi District, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China. changjiangzhang1968@outlook.com
Research Domain of This Article
Orthopedics
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
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This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Mar 18, 2026 (publication date) through Mar 16, 2026
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Journal Information of This Article
Publication Name
World Journal of Orthopedics
ISSN
2218-5836
Publisher of This Article
Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Ruan YH, Wang P, Tang XD, Zhang Q, Yan P, Tian YG, Li CJ, Fu WP, Wang RB, Zhang CJ. Advances in bone tissue engineering and three-dimensional printing: Current strategies and future perspectives in orthopaedics. World J Orthop 2026; 17(3): 113798 [DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i3.113798]
Yu-Hua Ruan, Peng Wang, Xiao-Dong Tang, Qi Zhang, Cheng-Jin Li, Wei-Ping Fu, Rui-Bo Wang, Chang-Jiang Zhang, Second Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
Peng Yan, Yi-Gong Tian, Third Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
Co-first authors: Yu-Hua Ruan and Peng Wang.
Co-corresponding authors: Peng Yan and Chang-Jiang Zhang.
Author contributions: Ruan YH and Wang P conceptualized and designed the study, developed the research framework, and wrote the initial draft, and they contributed equally to this manuscript as co-first authors; Wang P and Tang XD were responsible for data curation and formal analysis, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the results; Zhang Q and Tian YG contributed to the development of visual materials and assisted with literature organization; Li CJ and Fu WP supervised the research process; Li CJ, Fu WP, and Wang RB performed critical revision of the manuscript; Wang RB enhanced the scientific rigor of the manuscript; Yan P and Zhang CJ conducted the literature review, performed data interpretation, and participated in manuscript editing and finalization; Yan P and Zhang CJ contributed equally to this manuscript and both served as co-corresponding authors due to their significant roles in resource coordination, research supervision, and manuscript revision; each corresponding author made distinct and critical contributions to collaborative writing and the final review of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Henan Province Key Research and Development Program, No. 231111311000; Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research Project, No. 232102310411; Henan Province Medical Science and Technology Key Project, No. LHGJ20220566 and No. LHGJ20240365; Henan Province Medical Education Research Project, No. WJLX2023079; and Zhengzhou Medical and Health Technology Innovation Guidance Program, No. 2024YLZDJH022.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Chang-Jiang Zhang, PhD, Second Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfu Qianjie, Erqi District, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China. changjiangzhang1968@outlook.com
Received: September 4, 2025 Revised: October 11, 2025 Accepted: December 23, 2025 Published online: March 18, 2026 Processing time: 193 Days and 19.7 Hours
Abstract
Bone defects resulting from trauma, infection, tumor resection, or congenital malformations remain prevalent and challenging in orthopedic practice, particularly in the repair of large segmental defects and complex anatomical sites where conventional surgical approaches have limitations. Recent advances in tissue engineering combined with three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have introduced novel strategies for personalized and precise bone regeneration. By integrating biocompatible scaffolds, osteogenic cells, and bioactive factors, and leveraging 3D printing to fabricate scaffolds that conform to patient-specific anatomical and functional requirements, this approach is progressively transitioning from experimental research to clinical application. This review summarizes recent progress in this field, focusing on commonly used materials, printing techniques, and clinical applications in craniofacial, spinal, and long bone reconstruction. With ongoing technological refinement and multidisciplinary collaboration, the integration of tissue engineering and 3D printing is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in orthopedic practice, ushering in a new era of individualized and precise bone defect repair.
Core Tip: The combination of bone tissue engineering and three-dimensional printing presents a powerful strategy for tailored repair of bone defects. By integrating biocompatible scaffolds, stem cells, and bioactive molecules with precise three-dimensional fabrication, it is possible to create constructs that closely replicate native bone structure and support effective regeneration. Recent advances in smart biomaterials and bioprinting techniques have further improved scaffold functionality and therapeutic outcomes. However, challenges, including vascularization, controlled scaffold degradation, and clinical translation, remain to be fully addressed. Ongoing interdisciplinary efforts will be crucial in overcoming these hurdles and advancing these promising technologies into routine orthopaedic care.
