ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of acetabular fractures is often highly complex, and a successful outcome depends upon an appreciation of the fracture pattern and the most appropriate approach to reduce and hold it. Currently, computed tomography (CT) images are used in conjunction with plain x-rays to identify the main fracture components and their spatial relationship to one another, and as such surgeons still have to make decisions based upon their ability to visualise the fracture from the images available. 3D printers have now become widely available and inexpensive, and can be used to rapidly produce life-size models based on CT scans of an individual patient. The availability of patient specific, accurate and detailed models of complex acetabular fractures can aid planning of surgical management on a patient specific basis. CASE REPORT: This report describes the use of a 3D printer to create a life-size model reconstruction of the pelvis of a 48 year old male patient who sustained a left sided associated both column acetabular fracture following a motorbike accident in the Sahara Desert. The model allowed visualisation of the multiple fracture fragments and their relative displacements. The tactile feedback allowed assessment of the different fracture fragments. The relative displacement of the quadrilateral plate and posterior column fragments could be assessed and the surgeon felt that these would be amenable to reduction from an ilioinguinal approach. An anatomic reduction was achieved and was held with the application of a pelvic brim plate with 2 screws lagging the posterior column/quadrilateral plate fragment. CONCLUSION: There are previous examples of 3D models being used in orthopaedic surgery through the use of rapid prototyping, however this method is usually expensive and time consuming. Advances in 3D printer technology offer surgeons a number of advantages when treating these complex fractures. With the ever-increasing economy, ease of use and speed of additive processing, the possible applications of this technology within orthopaedic surgery are numerous. Given the possible applications of this technology, and its ever increasing availability, we feel that its use can only improve patient outcomes and so should be explored further for use in orthopaedic surgery.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: An ABC priority driven approach to the management of high energy pelvic injuries has been developed and applied as a teaching tool. A prospective study assessed whether trainees taught this ABC aide memoire gave better priority driven care in simulated patient scenarios. They were compared directly to colleagues undergoing the same pelvic training but without reference to the ABC concept. METHODS: Orthopaedic trainees were formally assessed by viva scenario upon their pelvic trauma management 6 weeks after a pelvic trauma teaching event. Trainees all received standard pelvic trauma teaching but were randomised into two groups. One group alone had an introduction to the ABC algorithm. Inclusion criteria were trainees belonging to the same deanery teaching group with similar levels of training and experience in pelvic trauma. Those completing a pelvic trauma post or teaching in pelvic trauma were excluded. RESULTS: There were 20 trainees included and three scenarios giving 60 scores. The mean year of training or the number of pelvic trauma cases experienced did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.426 and p=0.347). The ABC teaching concept yielded significant improvements in several aspects: coagulopathy assessment and management (p=<0.001); urological injury (p=0.047), appropriate prioritisation (p=0.006) and bowel injury/open fracture assessment (p=0.007). A poorer response was seen in CT assessment (p=0.004). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The ABC priority driven approach to pelvic trauma management provides structure when decision making. This method improves clinician's recall, prioritisation and potentially clinical outcomes.
