Clinical Efficacy of Three-Dimensional-Printed Pure Titanium Fracture Plates with Locking Screw Systems in Distal...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomaterials engineering
• Medical device technology

Background:

• Distal tibia fractures are complex injuries often requiring specialized implants due to anatomical variations.
• Standard implants can mismatch bone structure, leading to soft tissue damage.
• Current 3D-printed titanium plates lack locking mechanisms due to alloy brittleness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of integrating a locking mechanism into 3D-printed pure titanium plates.
• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of these novel implants in patients with distal tibia fractures.

Main Methods:

• Nine patients with distal tibia fractures received open reduction and internal fixation using 10 customized 3D-printed pure titanium plates.
• Plates were fabricated using selective laser sintering of pure titanium powder.
• Locking screws were produced via milling; clinical efficacy was assessed by union rates and complication monitoring.

Main Results:

• Successful surgical treatment in all nine patients; nine of ten plates remained stable.
• One plate fracture occurred in a patient with neurofibromatosis, requiring revision surgery.
• No instances of screw loosening or surgical wound complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed pure titanium plates with integrated locking screws offer a viable treatment for distal tibia fractures.
• This technology demonstrates potential for advancing orthopedic implant design and patient care.