Application of 3D printing technology in fracture and deformity of foot and ankle / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The anatomical structure of the foot and ankle is complex. There are many extensor and flexor tendons passing through the foot and ankle, which is adjacent to many blood vessels and nerves. The foot and ankle play an important role in human walking, jumping and squatting. As the ankle joint itself is the most distal load-bearing joint of the limb, it is difficult to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effect by traditional methods to treat complex periankle fractures (such as severe comminuted trimalleolar fractures and Pilon fractures), or various severe ankle deformities (such as talipes equinovarus, hallux valgus, and flatfoot). Fortunately, in recent years, 3D printing technology has significantly improved the success rate and patient satisfaction of the above diseases. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current situation of 3D printing technology in the treatment of ankle fracture and deformity. METHODS: The computer was used to search CNKI, PubMed database. Chinese search terms were “3D printing technology, ankle surgery, ankle fracture, ankle deformity, orthopedics”. The English search terms were “3D printing, foot and ankle surgery, ankle fracture, foot and ankle deformity, orthopedic surgery”. The retrieval period was from January 2000 to February 2020. A total of 105 articles were retrieved. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 55 articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Through the simulation operation of foot and ankle surgery on 3D physical model, the operator’s proficiency in the operation can be improved. Simultaneously, according to the needs of the operation, individual surgical instruments can be made to improve the success rate of the operation. (2) Compared with the traditional foot orthosis, 3D printing technology can make foot orthosis more suitable for human body structure.