3D printing assisted MIPO for treatment of complex middle-proximal humeral shaft fractures

Abstract

Background To explore the clinical efficacy of 3D printing assisted MIPO technique for treating complex middle-proximal humerus fractures(AO 12C fracture type). Methods The data of 42 participants who received a complicate middle-proximal humerus fracture from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were assigned to two groups: minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with detailed preoperative planning assisted by 3D printing (group A), and traditional MIPO (group B). Results All patients were followed-up for 8-24 months (mean: 16.12±4.13 months). There were obvious differences found in the operation time, c-arm usage time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. However, no significant differences were observed in the range of shoulder joint motion (ROM), the occurrence of complications (surgical incision site infection, flexible internal fixation, bone nonunion and radial nerve palsy), QuickDASH score and Constant score between the two groups. Conclusion Preoperative 3D printing assisted MIPO technique can reduce the operation time, and exhibits obvious advantages in terms of operational efficiency, which can be applied to treat complex middle-proximal humeral fractures.