ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The complicated localization of intramedullary nails and osteotomy more dependent on surgeons' experience limit the application of conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The occurrence of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology can achieve precise localization and osteotomy in TKA.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of 3D printing technology-aided TKA versus conventional TKA for genu varum.METHODS: Thirty-four patients with genu varum undergoing primary unilateral TKA were recruited and were then divided into two groups (n=17 per group) in accordance with the random number table. One group was treated with TKA with 3D printing guild plate (3D printing group), while the other group received the conventional TKA (conventional group).The intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, operation time, as well as the Hospital for Special Surgery score, range of motion, and lower limb mechanical alignment at 2 weeks postoperatively were compared between two groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The range of motion of knee in the 3D printing group was larger than that in the conventional group, but had no significant difference at 2 weeks postoperatively (P=0.744). (2) There was no significant difference in the Hospital for Special Surgery scores between two groups at 2 weeks postoperatively (P= 0.532). (3) The postoperative lower limb mechanical alignment showed no significant difference between two groups (t=0.218, P=0.632).(4) The operation time in the 3D printing group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group (P=0.000). (5) The blood loss in the 3D printing group was significantly less than that in the conventional group (P=0.000). (6) Our findings indicate that 3D printing technology-aided TKA exhibits similar results to the conventional TKA in the Hospital for Special Surgery scores, range of motion, and lower limb mechanical alignment, but it shortens the operation time,reduces the blood loss, and achieves precise osteotomy, which is available for the elderly with poor basic condition, and weak tolerance of surgery.