[Application of three-dimensional printing technology in bone tumor surgery]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Bone tumors present complex surgical challenges requiring precise planning.
• Traditional surgical approaches may have limitations in achieving optimal outcomes for complex bone tumor resections.
• Individualized surgical planning is crucial for improving patient prognosis and limb function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing individualized models and guide plates in bone tumor surgery.
• To assess the impact of 3D printing technology on preoperative planning and intraoperative execution.
• To determine the clinical outcomes and functional results in patients undergoing bone tumor surgery with 3D printed aids.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 5 patients with various bone tumors between October 2015 and December 2016.
• Utilized 3D printing to create patient-specific models and surgical guide plates for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation.
• Collected data on operative time, blood loss, fluoroscopy use, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes using the Enneking scoring system.

Main Results:

• All 5 surgeries were completed successfully with no postoperative infections.
• Mean operative time was 4.9 hours, with a mean blood loss of 1380 mL and mean fluoroscopy of 3.8 times.
• Follow-up (mean 5.4 months) showed no internal fixator issues; limb function scores averaged 21 (range 15-26), with 4/5 patients achieving excellent or good results.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology enhances preoperative planning and evaluation in bone tumor surgery.
• Patient-specific 3D models and guides facilitate more precise surgical execution.
• This technology offers a valuable new approach for individualized treatment strategies in bone tumor management.