Background/Objectives: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance in the human body with anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help repair bone by supporting cell growth, blood vessel formation, and tissue structure. A common complication after minimally invasive surgery is delayed bone healing in osteotomies. HA may offer a useful treatment to support faster recovery. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was pre-registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD420250654929). Searches were conducted in PubMed, EbscoHost, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 25 January 2025. Studies from the last five years on HA and bone healing were included. The main outcomes were faster bone repair and improved regeneration. Study quality was assessed using the OCEBM, ROBINS-I, and GRADE tools. Results: Out of 96 studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria. HA, especially when combined with other materials or stem cells, helped bone repair by supporting new bone formation. Materials like 3D-printed scaffolds, hydrogels, and meshes showed good results in bone healing. However, differences in the study design made direct comparison difficult. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid shows promise for bone repair, especially in combination with other materials. More standardized clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and define how best to use it in minimally invasive surgeries.
Background/Objectives: Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity that requires surgical correction to restore proper alignment. Precision in the osteotomies performed during these surgeries is critical to avoid complications and improve outcomes. However, variability in surgeon experience can negatively affect precision. In this context, advances in 3D printing have enabled the development of customized surgical guides, which may enhance precision and reduce variability among surgeons with different levels of expertise. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D-printed surgical guide in minimally invasive hallux valgus correction, focusing on the accuracy of osteotomies performed by novice surgeons, experienced surgeons, and theoretically trained consultants. Methods: An ex vivo study was performed with 30 cadaveric feet, divided into three groups according to the level of experience of the surgeons: 3D guide group, Master’s students, professionals. All surgeons performed Akin and Reverdin-Isham osteotomies, but the experimental group (the 3D guide group) utilized a customized 3D-printed surgical guide for enhanced precision during these procedures. Radiographic measurements of osteotomy angles and alignment were taken after the interventions, and compared with the planned values. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the variability in the precision of the cuts. Results: The use of the 3D-printed surgical guide significantly reduced angular variability in the experienced group, achieving higher levels of accuracy than experienced surgeons. Effect sizes, which ranged from small to large, indicated a greater impact on angle measurements (η2 = 0.46, p < 0.001); no significant differences were found between the groups in other evaluated parameters. Conclusions: The incorporation of 3D-printed surgical guides in hallux valgus surgery significantly improves osteotomy accuracy, particularly in less experienced surgeons. This suggests that these guides can help standardize procedures, reduce the learning curve, and lower intraoperative complications.