3D-printed prosthesis for traumatic trapezium bone defect: a case report

This case report describes a two-stage surgical approach for managing a traumatic defect of the left trapezium bone. A 51-year-old male presented following a high-impact injury caused by a heavy iron object striking his left wrist. The patient reported severe wrist pain and restricted thumb motion. The patient sustained a severe wrist injury resulting in extensive bone loss. Initial treatment involved debridement and bone cement filling, followed by a second-stage implantation of a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium prosthesis. At 24-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated excellent thumb functionality and significant clinical improvement. This case illustrates the successful use of a 3D-printed trapezium prosthesis to treat a complex comminuted fracture with bone defect. This method offers a promising alternative for managing severe carpal fractures.