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Published on: November 1, 2018
3D-Printed Model in Preoperative Planning of Sciatic Nerve Decompression Because of Heterotopic Ossification: A Case
Sarah L Lucas1,2, Brian P Gallagher2, Kenneth P Mullinix2
1Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia.
Case:
A 31-year-old patient presented with an encapsulated sciatic nerve secondary to extensive hip heterotopic ossification (HO), which prevented visualization of a safe osteotomy site to avoid nerve damage. The 3D-printed model demonstrated an easily identifiable osseous reference point along the inferior aspect of the heterotopic mass, allowing for a vertical osteotomy to be safely performed.
Conclusion:
HO is associated with loss of normal anatomic topography. The current case report illustrates the use of a 3D-printed model to identify pertinent anatomic landmarks required for safe decompression of an encapsulated sciatic nerve within the anatomic region of the hip.

