Background: This present study is aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing assisted osteotomy guide plate in accurate osteotomy of adolescent cubitus varus deformity. Material and methods: Twenty-five patients (15 males and 10 females) with the cubitus varus deformity from June 2014 to December 2017 were included in this study and were enrolled into the conventional group (n = 11) and 3D printing group (n = 14) according to the different surgical approaches. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, osteotomy degrees, osteotomy end union time, and postoperative complications between the two groups were observed and recorded. Results: Compared with the conventional group, the 3D printing group has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, higher rate of excellent correction, and higher rate of the parents' excellent satisfaction with appearance after deformity correction (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.019, P = 0.023). Nevertheless, no significant difference was presented in postoperative carrying angle of the deformed side and total complication rate between the two groups (P = 0.626, P = 0.371). Conclusions: The operation assisted by 3D printing osteotomy guide plate to correct the adolescent cubitus varus deformity is feasible and effective, which might be an optional approach to promote the accurate osteotomy and optimize the efficacy.

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Objective As a minimally invasive intervertebral fusion technique popularized in recent years, extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) has various advantages. In this study, we describe the application and efficacy of XLIF for the treatment of thoracic tuberculosis (TB), as this may be an emerging treatment option for thoracic TB in the future. Methods We present the case of a 75-year-old man who had suffered from chest and back pain for 1 month. Imaging studies showed destruction of the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies and the T12–L1 intervertebral disc, accompanied by formation of a paravertebral abscess. After 2 weeks of standard anti-TB treatment, the patient underwent debridement of the lesions, XLIF, and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Results The patient’s chest and back pain were significantly alleviated after the operation. The patient recovered well, and as of the most recent follow-up had no obvious limitation in thoracolumbar spine function. Conclusions XLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of thoracic TB can allow for TB lesion debridement, discectomy, and interbody fusion under direct visualization, and can effectively improve patient prognosis.

Background This study aimed to retrospectively assess the feasibility and efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of high-energy trans-syndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation – “log-splitter” injury – and to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis. Material/Methods We included 29 patients (17 males and 12 females; mean age, 44.0±13.2 years) with log-splitter injury from June 2011 to December 2016, divided into a routine group ( n =13) and a 3D printing group ( n =16) according to the surgical method used. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, fracture union time, functional outcomes based on AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, and postoperative complications were observed and recorded. Results Compared with the routine treatment group, 3D printing technology had better safety and efficacy for the treatment of log-splitter injury and the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, fewer fluoroscopies needed, and higher rate of good functional outcome ( P <0.001, P <0.001, P <0.001, and P =0.017, respectively). However, no significant difference was noted in the rate of anatomical reduction, mean AOFAS score at the last follow-up (mean time, 19.9±2.8 months), or postoperative complications between the 2 groups ( P =0.370, P =0.156, and P =0.485, respectively). Conclusions Surgery assisted by 3D printing technology to treat log-splitter injury is feasible and effective, and may be a good optional approach to formulate a reasonable personalized surgical plan and to optimize the outcomes.

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