Application of 3D-printed navigation templates in intertrochanteric femoral fractures: technical optimization and...

To investigate the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed navigation templates in assisting the reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) intramedullary nails.

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on patients with intertrochanteric femoral. A total of 70 cases meeting inclusion criteria and completing outcome assessments were enrolled, with 35 cases in the template group and 35 in the conventional group. Preoperative 3D modeling was used to design the optimal nail trajectory and print the navigation template for the template group, while the conventional group underwent standard surgical procedures. Baseline indicators, surgical-related metrics, Harris Hip Scores at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively, and adverse event rates were compared.

The template group exhibited shorter surgical time, fewer C-arm fluoroscopies, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and smaller main nail incision lengths compared to the conventional group. Both groups showed improved Harris Hip Scores over time, but the template group achieved significantly higher scores at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively. No adverse events occurred in either group.

The 3D-printed navigation template-assisted PFNA intramedullary nail fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures enables precise placement of guidewires into the medullary cavity center in a single attempt faster than a traditional methods reliant on surgeon experience. This technique simplifies operations, reduces surgical time by approximately 10 min, decreases fluoroscopy usage by at least 3 exposures, and minimizes surgical incision lengths, achieving precision medicine and accelerated recovery, reducing treatment costs.