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A New Individualized Three-Dimensional Printed Template for Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
1Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland).
Summary
A novel 3D printed guide template significantly reduced operation time and radiation exposure for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) surgery compared to traditional methods. Both techniques yielded satisfactory ankle stability, but the template offers a more efficient surgical alternative.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) often requires anatomical reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autografts.
- Current methods can achieve good biomechanical recovery, but novel techniques are explored to improve surgical efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of a new individualized 3D printed guide template for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.
- To compare this novel technique against traditional surgical methods in patients with CLAI.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 34 CLAI patients randomly assigned to either a template group (18) or a conventional group (16).
- Comparison of average operation duration, radiation exposure, anterior talar displacement, talar tilt angle, Karlsson-Peterson score, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.
Main Results:
- The template group demonstrated significantly shorter average operation duration (51.9 min vs. 72.4 min) and fewer radiation exposures (1.34 vs. 6.58).
- No significant differences were observed in AOFAS or Karlsson scores between the two groups.
- All patients achieved satisfactory ankle stability post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Both the 3D printed template and conventional methods provide effective treatment for CLAI.
- The template technique offers advantages in reduced operation time and radiation exposure, positioning it as a potentially superior alternative for CLAI treatment.
