ObjectiveTo summarize the application status of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique in joint surgery and look forward to the future research directions. MethodsThe recent original articles about the application and research of 3-D printing technique in joint surgery were extensively reviewed and analyzed. ResultsIn clinical applications, 3-D printing technique can provide "tailored" treatment and custom implants for patients, which helps doctors to perform the complex operations easier and more safely; in fundamental research, tissue engineered scaffolds with desirable external shape and internal organization are easily fabricated with 3-D printing technique, which can meet the demand of cell adherence and proliferation. Even more, cells may be deposited with the biomaterials during the printing. ConclusionWith the development of medical imaging, digital medicine and new materials, 3-D printing technique will have a wider range of applications in joint surgery.