Evaluating 3D-Printed Guide Plates in Elbow Fixation: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND The safety and effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed guide plates have been shown to assist the positioning of the rotation axis of elbow-hinged external fixators in complex elbow injuries. This study aimed to compare outcomes in 20 patients with complex elbow fracture dislocation with and without 3D-printed guide plate-assisted rotation axis positioning of a hinged external elbow fixator. MATERIAL AND METHODS From December 2018 to December 2022, 20 patients with complex elbow fracture dislocation or post-traumatic elbow stiffness (PTES) were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the free-hand group (n=10) and the guide template group (n=10). Types of injuries included varus posteromedial rotatory instability (VPMRI), terrible triad injury (TTI), and PTES. Outcomes measured included pin placement time, fluoroscopic exposure times, and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint after surgery. RESULTS The guide template group had a significantly shorter pin placement time (6.80±1.32 min vs 26.00±9.44 min, P<0.0001) and fewer fluoroscopic exposures (3.60±1.27 vs 41.90±14.80, P<0.0001) compared to the free-hand group. ROM of the elbow joint was similar in both groups, with no significant difference (137.40±4.40° vs 132.60±6.48°, P=0.069). CONCLUSIONS The use of the 3D-printed guide template significantly reduced pin placement time and fluoroscopic exposure, demonstrating its potential to improve surgical efficiency and safety without compromising elbow joint ROM.