Percutaneous Tibial Fracture Reduction Using Computed Tomography Imaging, Computer Modelling and 3D Printed Alignment...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• 3D printing applications

Background:

• Diaphyseal fractures require precise alignment for optimal healing.
• Minimally invasive osteosynthesis techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma.
• Current alignment methods may have limitations in complex fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel percutaneous bone alignment technique.
• To assess the accuracy of a 3D-printed alignment jig for diaphyseal tibial fractures.
• To determine the feasibility of computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing in fracture alignment.

Main Methods:

• Mid-shaft diaphyseal fractures were created in canine tibiae.
• Interaction pins were used for bone segment fixation.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans were utilized for virtual fracture reduction.
• A custom 3D-printed alignment jig was designed and fabricated.
• Orthogonal radiographs assessed post-alignment tibial length and joint angles.

Main Results:

• Post-alignment tibial length differences were minimal (average 1.55% and 1.43%).
• Post-alignment joint angle differences averaged between 1.67° and 2.17°.
• These differences in length and angles were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The percutaneous alignment technique using 3D modeling and printing is technically feasible.
• This method shows promise for enhancing clinical application of minimally invasive osteosynthesis.
• Further in vivo evaluation is warranted to confirm clinical efficacy.