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Application of 3D printing navigation system in pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion surgery
Haoqi Cai1, Haiqing Cai1, Zhigang Wang1
1Department of Orthopedic, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
3D printing navigation systems enhance surgical accuracy for pediatric lower limb epiphyseal lesions. This technology reduces complications and improves outcomes by precisely guiding bone bridge resection.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Pediatric epiphyseal complex lesions can lead to significant long-term complications.
- Accurate localization and resection of bone bridges are crucial for preserving growth.
- Traditional surgical methods may have limitations in precision and risk of iatrogenic injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 3D printing navigation system in pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion surgery.
- To assess the accuracy and safety of 3D printed navigation templates for bone bridge resection.
- To determine the impact of this technology on surgical outcomes and complications.
Main Methods:
- Ten pediatric patients with lower limb epiphyseal complex lesions underwent surgery.
- Three-dimensional bone models were created using CT and MRI data with 3D printing technology.
- 3D printed navigation templates guided the resection of bone bridges, with growth regulation using figure-of-eight plates when needed.
Main Results:
- The average surgical incision length was 4.0 cm.
- Accurate positioning and complete removal of bone bridge tissue were achieved in all cases.
- No residual bone bridge tissue or iatrogenic epiphyseal injury was observed; epiphyseal plates remained open post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- The 3D printing navigation system significantly improves the accuracy of lower limb epiphyseal complex lesion resection in children.
- This technology reduces intraoperative fluoroscopy, avoids iatrogenic injury, and lowers postoperative complications.
- Utilizing 3D printing navigation enhances surgical precision, leading to considerably improved prognoses for pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion diseases.
Abstract:
To investigate 3D printing navigation system in pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion surgery. 10 children with epiphyseal complex lesions of the lower limb were recruited. After collecting imaging data such as CT and MRI in children with epiphyseal complex lesions of the lower limb, a three-dimensional model of bone was constructed using 3D printed computer modeling technologies for the localization of the lesion area. The extent of bone bridges was less than 30%, and all of them met the indications for bone bridge resection surgery. 3D printed navigation templates guided lesion resection. Epiphyseal block growth regulation with a figure-of-eight plate was also used in cases with preexisting abnormal alignment. During the operation, the average surgical incision was 4.0 cm, the bone bridge positioning was accurate, and the bone bridge tissue could be successfully and completely removed. As a result of follow-up, no cases had residual bone bridge tissue, no iatrogenic epiphyseal injury was found, and the epiphyseal plate was open in all children. 3D printing navigation system improved the accuracy of resection of lower limb epiphyseal complex lesions, significantly reduced the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy, avoided iatrogenic injury to the epiphyseal complex due to positioning errors, thereby reducing postoperative complications and considerably improving the prognosis of a series of lower limb epiphyseal complex lesion diseases in children.
