Three-dimensional printing combined with virtual surgical design in the treatment of complex pilon fractures / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pilon fractures are mainly vertical compression violence involving the tibia distal articular surface fracture, especially the high-energy damage Pilon fracture. Pilion fracture is characterized by obvious fracture displacement, different levels of compression, crushing at stem epiphyseal end, unstable height, primary articular cartilage injury and uneven joint surface. Because it is difficult to treat, and holds various complications and high morbidity, it becomes a challenge in the field of orthopedics. Good preoperative planning and design can reduce the occurrence of complications and obtain good clinical treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of three-dimensional printing technology combined with virtual surgery design in the treatment of complex Pilon fractures. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with complex Pilon fracture at Yulin Orthopedics Hospital of Chinese and Western Medicine from August 2017 to November 2018 were selected and divided into two groups (three-dimensional printing group, n=38; control group, n=50). The three-dimensional printing group was treated with three-dimensional printing technology combined with virtual surgery design, and the control group was treated with conventional surgery. The operation time, blood loss, incision length, one-time successful placement rate, postoperative ankle function recovery and healing were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The three-dimensional printing group was superior to the control group in terms of operation time, blood loss, incision length, one-time successful placement rate, reduction satisfaction (Burwell-Charnley fracture reduction radiology evaluation), functional recovery degree (Mazur ankle joint score) after 12-month follow-up and wound healing (P < 0.05). (2) To conclude, compared with conventional surgery, three-dimensional printing combined with virtual surgery design for treating complex Pilon fractures can shorten the operation time, reduce surgical trauma and blood loss, and achieve satisfactory fracture reduction and functional recovery.