Orthopedics and 3D technology in Turkey: A preliminary report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Complex orthopedic cases, including pilon fractures and acetabular bone defects, present surgical challenges.
• Traditional surgical approaches may have limitations in achieving optimal outcomes for severe bone defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed models for surgical simulation in pilon fractures.
• To assess the efficacy of custom-made acetabular implants in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for severe acetabular defects.

Main Methods:

• Surgical simulation using 3D printed plastic models for two patients with pilon fractures.
• Utilization of custom-made acetabular implants for two patients undergoing revision THA due to acetabular bone defects.
• Surgical procedures were conducted between March 2018 and September 2020.

Main Results:

• Preoperative simulation with 3D printed models led to more comfortable surgeries for pilon fractures.
• Patients receiving custom-made acetabular implants demonstrated stable fixation and excellent positioning on radiographic examination.
• No surgical complications were reported in the custom implant group, with excellent recovery observed.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printed models facilitate preoperative surgical simulation, improving comfort in fracture surgeries.
• Custom-made 3D printed acetabular implants are effective in revision THA for severe acetabular defects, leading to positive patient outcomes.