Auxiliary application of three-dimensional printing technology of implant fixation for tibial plateau fracture / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:In the treatment of tibial plateau fractures, because of the variety of fracture, the complexity of anatomical changes, X-ray films or three-dimensional CT scan limited by two-dimensional plane, increases the difficulty in preoperative plan and surgical treatment. The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has attracted attention in the department of orthopedics. OBJECTIVE:To explore the auxiliary role of 3D printing technique in preoperative plan and treatment for tibial plateau fractures. METHODS:Thirty patients with tibial plateau comminuted fractures were enroled in this study and divided into two groups: experimental and control groups, with 15 patients in each group. In the experimental group, patients underwent 3D CT scan, which was stored in DICOM format, and processed by Mimics software. Data were converted into STL format, entered 3D printer, and a 1:1 entity size of the fracture model was made, in accordance with repair plan of 3D fracture model. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were compared between the two groups. At 12 months after treatment, their outcomes were assessed using Rasmussen evaluation criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The 3D printing fracture models of 1:1 ratio identified fracture type and made a repair program before surgery in the experimental group. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After surgery, patients were folowed up for 12 to 18 months. The healing time was 3-5 months, averagely 4.3 months. At 12 months after treatment, the Rasmussen evaluation criteria results showed that the excelent and good rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the fracture model of 3D can help to make the operation plan. The treatment of tibial plateau fractures is more precise, personalized and visual.