Case report: The use of three-dimensional biomodels for surgical planning of rib fixation

摘要

Prosthetic titanium plates are frequently used in the stabilization of rib fractures and are typically contoured to the patient's anatomy at the time of implant in the operating room. Smith et al. [ ] described the use of a 3D prototype biomodel of his patient's skeletal anatomy for preoperative customization of standard titanium plates for rib fractures. This process facilitated the preoperative planning and provided implants appropriate for a patient's unique anatomy. Further, the approach facilitated repair of complex fractures and may decrease operating time. Besides that, it provides idealized conditions for plate shaping and may facilitate implantation.