Short term efficacy of 3D printed individualized prosthesis for precise reconstruction of bone and joint defects after upper limb microsurgical repair / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of 3D printed individualised prosthesis in treating bone and joint defects in upper limbs remained after earlier microsurgical repairs.Methods:From June 2019 to September 2021, 12 patients were treated in the Institute of Orthopaedic Trauma of PLA, the 80th Group Army Hospital for bone and joint defects in upper limb that had been remained after earlier repairs with soft tissue flaps. The defects were 1 in completely severed wrist, 2 defects of digit metacarpal bone, 4 defects of interphalangeal joint, 4 defects of bones in radiocarpal joint and 1 defect of lunate bone. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 1.5 cm×3.0 cm to 12.0 cm×18.0 cm, and the length of bone defects ranged from 2.5 to 8.5(average 3.64) cm. For incompletely severed and completely severed limbs, replantation of severed limbs (digits) were performed in the primary surgery and the repair of soft tissue defects were performed in the second stage surgery. The remaining defects of bone and joint were reconstructed by 3D printed individualised prostheses in the third stage surgery. Finger soft tissue defects were covered with a local flap in the primary surgery, and bone and joint defects were reconstructed with a 3D printed prosthesis in the second surgery. Finger soft tissue defects were covered with a local flap in the first phase, and bone and joint defects were reconstructed with a 3D printed prosthesis in the second phase. After the surgery, the bone integration between the broken end of the bone joint defect and the prosthesis was determined based on the X-ray results and the Paley fracture healing score standard. Simultaneously measured the Total Active Motion(TAM) of the forearm and hand joints. At 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after hospital discharge. Follow-up X-ray examinations were taken followed by examinations on the recovery of soft tissues and bones. The upper limb function was graded according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Results:Postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic lasted for 6 to 26 months, with an average of 11.5 months. All flaps were free from necrosis and infection, also there was no infection in bones and joints. According to the Paley fracture healing scale, 10 patients were in excellent and 2 in good. In addition, according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 5 patients achieved upper limb function in excellent, 5 in good and 2 in fair. The ranges of motion of the affected wrists were 30°-42°(average 37.3°) for the implanted prostheses of distal end of radius and the radial shaft. Wrist flexion 40° to 55°(average 43.5°). The range of motion of finger and wrist was 60° to 70°(average 65.7°) with a metacarpal and phalangeal bone prosthesis.Conclusion:3D printed individually customised prostheses are safe, accurate and effective in repair of the remained bone and joint defects in upper limbs after primary and early stages of microsurgical flap repairs. It can effectively restore anatomical structures of bone and joint in upper limbs.