Anatomically accurate 3D modelling and printing in a case of obstetric brachial plexus injury

Obstetric brachial plexus injury is reported in 0.42 per 1000 births in UK and Ireland and are associated with a reduction in quality of life for the patient and their carers. In this report we describe the first use of a patient specific, anatomically accurate 3D model as a communication tool in the treatment of a complex case of posterior shoulder subluxation secondary to glenohumeral deformity resulting from obstetric brachial plexus injury. The use of 3D models for surgical planning is associated with decreased operating time and reduction of intra-operative blood loss, whilst their use in patient education increases patient understanding. In this case all surgeons surveyed agreed that it was useful and will use 3D modelling to improve consent processes and to conceptualise novel techniques for complex cases in future. This highly reproducible, low cost technique may be adapted to a variety of upper limb reconstructive surgeries, and as the resolution of image acquisition and additive manufacturing capabilities increase so too do the potential applications of this precise 3D printed surgical adjunct.