Value of three-dimensional printing of fractures in orthopaedic trauma surgery

Abstract

Information technology-based innovation is playing an increasingly key role in healthcare systems. The use of three-dimensional (3D)-printed bone fracture replicas in orthopaedic clinical practice could provide a new tool for fracture simulations and treatment, and change the interaction between patient and surgeon. We investigated the additional value of 3D-printing in the preparation and execution of surgical procedures and communication with patients, as well as its teaching and economic implications. Methods: Fifty-two patients with complex articular displaced fractures of the calcaneus, tibial plateau, or distal radius were enrolled. 3D-printed real-size models of the fractured bone were obtained from computed tomography scans and exported to files suitable for 3D-printing. The models were handled by trauma surgeons, residents, and patients to investigate the potential advantages and procedural improvements. The patients' and surgeons' findings were recorded using specific questionnaires. Results: 3D-printed replicas of articular fractures facilitated surgical planning and preoperative simulations, as well as training and teaching activities. They also strengthening the informed consent process and reduced surgical times and costs by about 15%. Conclusion: 3D-printed models of bone fractures represent a significant step towards morepersonalized medicine, with improved education and surgeon-patient relationships.

Meta-Analysis of 3D Printing Applications in Traumatic Fractures

“…However, 3D printing technology creates personalised, accurate, and solid model of fractures (43). 3Dprinted model helps orthopaedic doctors develop personalised, accurate and reasonable surgical plans for patients and increase success rates of surgery (44,45). Previous studies aver that primary surgeons can observe anatomical structures of fractures through 3D-printed prototypes prior to implementation of complicated fracture surgery (46)(47)(48) to simulate surgical operation and determine bone block.…”

Aplicação da tecnologia de impressão 3D no tratamento da pseudartrose da fratura de Hoffa*

“…For this purpose, we used the printed anatomical model submitted to the surgical simulation, with the nonunion fixed with the implants chosen. Studies 4,12,17,20 show the use of anatomical models with AM technology in surgical training. A wide variety of domains including simulation accuracy, anatomical similarity, training in the use of surgical instruments, use printed models for training surgeons.…”

“…In several fields of medicine, such as orthopedics, anatomical models and personalized implants are manufactured for an accurate preoperative planning, the simulation of surgeries, the training of staff, and better communication with the patient. [1][2][3][4] Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also called rapid prototyping (RP) or additive manufacturing (AM), enables the printing of models reproducing the actual anatomy. These can improve the surgeon's anatomical understanding and interpretation.…”

Preoperative Placement of Rigid Markers for the Treatment of Tibial Fractures Using 3D Printed External Repositioning Model Combined With External Fixator

“…In recent years, 3D printing technology has been widely used in the eld of orthopaedic trauma, and this technology can transform two-dimensional images into solid models [15].3D images allow for more accurate pre-operative planning, simulation of surgery, and other operations, leading to a complete and personalized surgical plan [16,17].By creating a 3D model, the surgeon has a clearer understanding of the patient's fracture, which provides a basis for the selection and placement of xation and increases the likelihood of fracture reduction [18].Xie and Shen compared 3D printing with incisional internal xation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures, and showed that 3D printing shortened operative time and fracture site healing time, and reduced operative bleeding [19,20].Ren, Jian et al tested a common plate and a new anatomically locked plate by 3D printing technology, respectively, and the newly designed xation material is stable and reliable, and more suitable for clinical application [21,22].However, there are no reports on the use of 3D printed fracture external repositioning models with preoperative placement of rigid markers.…”