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One-Step Reconstruction with Custom-made 3D-printed Scapular Prosthesis After Partial or Total Scapulectomy.
Stefano Grossi1, Antonio D'Arienzo1, Federico Sacchetti1
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Surgical Technology International
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Custom 3D-printed prostheses show promise for scapula reconstruction after tumor resection, offering good outcomes in partial resections and fair results in total resections. Further research is needed to confirm their reliability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- En bloc scapulectomy was the traditional approach for scapular tumors.
- Scapular allograft reconstruction is the current gold standard for functional, cosmetic, and oncological outcomes.
- Limited data exists on 3D-printed prostheses for scapula reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of custom-made 3D-printed titanium alloy prostheses for scapula reconstruction following tumor resection.
- To assess functional, oncological, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing partial and total scapulectomy with 3D-printed prosthesis reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Four patients underwent scapular resection (two total, two partial) between 2016-2018.
- Reconstruction utilized patient-specific 3D-printed porous titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) prostheses.
- Computer-aided design (CAD) and CT-MR fusion imaging guided implant creation.
Main Results:
- Partial scapulectomy group (2-year follow-up): MSTS score 76%, no recurrence, good clinical results, no pain.
- Total scapulectomy group (1.5-year follow-up): MSTS score 46%, no recurrence, fair clinical results, no pain.
Conclusions:
- Custom 3D-printed prostheses are a potentially valuable technique in orthopedic surgery for scapula reconstruction.
- Longer-term studies and larger patient cohorts are necessary to establish the reliability of this reconstruction method.
