Three-Dimensional Printing Guided for Double Meniscal Allograft Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Complex meniscus allograft transplantation, especially double transplants combined with ligament reconstruction, faces risks of tunnel overlap.
• Inadequate allograft sizing compromises graft integrity and can lead to treatment failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a preoperative protocol utilizing 3D printing for enhanced planning in meniscus allograft transplantation.
• To mitigate risks associated with tunnel overlap and improve graft selection in complex orthopedic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Tomography is used to create a real-size 3D printed model of the proximal tibia.
• The 3D model aids in selecting the appropriate meniscal allograft size.
• Surgical teams use the model to determine precise drilling parameters, preventing tunnel overlap during double meniscus allograft transplantation and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The 3D model facilitates accurate allograft selection and preoperative planning.
• It enables precise determination of drilling parameters, ensuring no tunnel overlap.
• The 3D model serves as a surgical guide for accurate tunnel and graft placement.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing offers a versatile tool for planning meniscus transplants, particularly in revision or complex cases.
• This technique improves preoperative visualization and surgical precision.
• It enhances surgical outcomes by ensuring optimal graft selection and precise replication of surgical parameters.