3D simulation and printing for complex comminuted pelvic and acetabular fractures: A single-center experience

BackgroundPelvic and acetabular fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of 3D printing technology in improving surgical outcomes for these fractures has not been conclusively demonstrated.PurposesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3D simulation and printing in managing AO/OTA 61C and 62 B/62C pelvic and acetabular fractures.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged >18 years with AO/OTA 61C and 62 B/62C fractures treated at a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2022. Outcomes included postoperative complications, the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and quality of life measures, including the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level utility score (EQ-5D-5 L), and the Majeed pelvic score, assessed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery.Results92 patients were analyzed, with 28 in the 3D printing group and 64 in the traditional treatment group. The mean age was 44.9 years. After adjusting for confounders, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in EQ-VAS, Majeed Pelvic Scores, or EQ-5D-5 L utility scores at 2 years (all p > .05). No significant differences were observed in the risk of THA or postoperative complications between the two groups.ConclusionsThe use of 3D printing for complex pelvic and acetabular fractures did not demonstrate an improvement in the primary outcomes of this study, including complications and the need for THA. This indicates that benefits of 3D printing observed in preoperative planning did not translate into improved clinical outcomes. Further research with larger, randomized trials is still warranted.