Conformity of Three Pre-Contoured Clavicular Plates Compared Using Personalized 3D-Printed Models of Clavicles from...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical engineering
• Anatomical modeling

Background:

• The clavicle's complex 3D S-shape presents challenges in fracture fixation.
• Anatomical plates aim to improve fixation by matching bone contours.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomical conformity of pre-contoured distal clavicle plates.
• To assess plate fit across different brands and patient sexes using 3D models.

Main Methods:

• Created 3D-printed clavicle models from CT scans of 30 patients (15 male, 15 female).
• Tested three distal clavicle plate systems (Acumed, Synthes, Arthrex) for fit.
• Measured lateral plate distance, medial gap, and overhang distance.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in clavicle length observed between sexes (males: 156.1mm, females: 138.4mm).
• No significant differences in lateral distance or medial gap between plate brands or sexes.
• Mean overhang distance was 5.8mm, with greater overhang in females for Acumed and Arthrex plates.

Conclusions:

• Pre-contoured anatomical plates demonstrate notable fit discrepancies on 3D clavicle models.
• Plate fit issues, particularly overhang, are more pronounced in females and shorter clavicles.
• Further refinement of pre-contoured plate designs may be necessary for optimal anatomical conformity.