Recent developments of 3D-printing technique assistedsurgery in the management of complex fractures

摘要

Treating complex fractures or deformities has been a challenge, especially those involving articular surfaces,such as acetabulum, tibial plateau, distal radius and the ankle joints. Fractures of these parts require anatomicalreductions to restore the articular surface of the joint for good and long-term function and for a better qualityof life. Even an experienced surgeon who’ve performed many similar surgical procedures still needs a preciselydesigned preoperative plan when facing such cases. Conventional imaging like X-ray and computed tomography(CT) scan have their own limits in providing detailed information about the affected bones and unable to carry outmeasurements which are necessary for the pre-operative planning. However, with the help of 3D printing technique,surgeons can use a real-size physical model of the fractured bone to make diagnoses; to improve their understandingof the nature of complex fractures; and to simulate the surgical procedure on it directly. In this article, we reviewon the latest developments made in the management of complex fractures with 3D-printing technique.