ROLE OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTING IN PREOPERATIVE PLANNING FOR COMPLEX FRACTURE RECONSTRUCTION
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Keywords
3D printing, complex fractures, orthopaedic surgery, preoperative planning, surgical outcomes, anatomical models, intraoperative efficiency.
Abstract
Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a transformative tool in orthopaedic surgery, enabling precise anatomical modelling for complex fracture cases. It facilitates better preoperative planning by providing tactile and spatial understanding of fracture patterns, which may lead to improved intraoperative outcomes.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3D printed anatomical models in preoperative planning for complex fracture reconstruction in terms of surgical efficiency and intraoperative performance.
Materials and method: A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients with radiologically confirmed complex fractures at the Department of Orthopaedics, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davanagere, from May 2023 to May 2024. Patient-specific 3D models were created using CT scan data and polylactic acid filament printers. Intraoperative outcomes such as surgical duration, blood loss, fluoroscopic exposure, and surgeon satisfaction were assessed and compared with historical controls managed without 3D models. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Use of 3D printed models led to a significant reduction in surgical time (94.5 vs 112.3 minutes), intraoperative blood loss (210 mL vs 280 mL), and fluoroscopy exposure (15 vs 22 shots) compared to traditional planning methods (p < 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction was rated as very high in 82% of cases using 3D models.
Conclusion: 3D printing in preoperative planning significantly enhances surgical precision and efficiency in complex fracture management. Its incorporation into routine orthopaedic workflows, particularly in resource-constrained settings, holds promise for improving outcomes and surgical preparedness.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Dr. Ankit P. Hariyani
Postgraduate, Department of Orthopaedics, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davanagere, Karnataka
Dr. Khushboo A. Kagathra
Community Medicine Department, Senior Resident, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gandhinagar