A new technology using a customized 3D printed fixator to assist fracture reduction and fixation: Technical note

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Medical device technology

Background:

• Poor fracture reduction can lead to significant complications, including deformity and delayed healing.
• Current fixation methods may not always provide optimal alignment.
• A new approach is needed to enhance fracture reduction and fixation accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a 3D printed external fixator system.
• To assess the technology's efficacy in assisting fracture reduction and fixation.
• To explore its potential as a definitive treatment for long bone fractures.

Main Methods:

• A temporary external fixator was applied to a fractured long bone.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans were used for 3D reconstruction and virtual fracture reduction simulation.
• Customized external fixators were designed using CAD software and 3D printed.
• The 3D printed fixator was assembled with fixation pins for automatic fracture reduction.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved successful fracture reduction and stable fixation.
• Postoperative fracture healing was uneventful, with no observed complications.
• The 3D printed external fixator demonstrated effective performance in a clinical case.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D printed external fixator technology effectively assists in fracture reduction.
• This technique shows promise for both temporary external fixation and definitive treatment of long bone fractures.
• The technology offers a viable solution for improving fracture management outcomes.