An Individualized Intra-Articular Stabilization Device Designed Based on 3D Printing Technology for Traumatic Instability of the Ulnohumeral Joint

Abstract

We aimed to design an individualized intra-articular stabilization device based on 3D printing technology and investigate the clinical effects of this device for treating traumatic instability of the ulnohumeral joint. This study enrolled nine patients with traumatic instability of the ulnohumeral joint (age: 47.2 ± 1.80 years ) who received treatment between March 2018 and March 2019 in our hospital. All patients underwent a thin-layer computed tomography (CT) scan of the elbow before surgery. The original injury and repair models of the elbow were printed using 3D printing technology based on CT data. An individualized intra-articular stabilization device was designed with a 2.0 mm Kirschner wire based on the repair model. Nine patients agreed to receive surgical treatment for elbow disease and placement of the intra-articular stabilization device. The nine patients underwent open reduction through a posterior median approach, and the intra-articular stabilization device was placed in the elbow. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded and followed up. The device was removed at two postoperative months, and the Mayo score was used to evaluate elbow function. Four months after removing the intra-articular stabilization device, elbow joint function was evaluated again using the Mayo score. The mean operation time was 100.1 ± 8.2 min , and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 35.5 ± 7.1 ml . No complications occurred after operation. Two months after surgery, eight patients received an excellent Mayo score, and one patient received a good Mayo score. Four months after removal of the intra-articular stabilization device, eight patients received an excellent Mayo score, and one patient received a good Mayo score. The individualized intra-articular stabilization device can increase ulnohumeral stability and achieve rapid functional recovery of the elbow.