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Mechanical validation of 3D-printed orthopaedic surrogate models for screw insertion training
Austin Thomassen1, Benjamin Lee1, Mason Granger1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, USA.
Background:
Screw stripping is a common complication in orthopaedic surgery that can compromise fixation stability. This study evaluates the relationship between stripping torque (ST) and infill density in 3D-printed bone surrogates, establishes a conversion factor between surrogates and ASTM F-1839-08 foam, and tests the hypothesis that screw insertion angle up to 45 °C does not affect ST.
Methods:
PLA surrogates with 3D Honeycomb or Gyroid infill patterns were printed at densities ranging from 5 to 27%. These samples were used for screw insertion at angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. Partially threaded compression screws were manually inserted while continuously recording torque, performing three repetitions for each configuration (N = 3). The maximum torque value was defined as the peak value (ST). Mean values were analyzed using linear regression to evaluate the correlation between density and ST, while multivariable linear regression was used to assess the influence of screw insertion angle.
Results:
3D Honeycomb ST ranged from 0.23 Nm ± 0.02 (5%) to 3.89 Nm ± 0.14 (27%), and from 0.32 Nm ± 0.06 to 3.68 Nm ± 0.46 for Gyroid. Both patterns showed strong linear correlations between density and ST (R2 > 0.98, p < 0.01). ST values in 3D-printed surrogates aligned with ASTM foam (0.52 Nm ± 0.08 to 2.65 Nm ± 0.55 for 10-20 PCF). No significant differences were observed among insertion angles (p > 0.65).
Conclusion:
3D-printed surrogates with 3D Honeycomb or Gyroid infills at up to 27% density, for insertion inclinations up to 45 degrees exhibit predictable, density-dependent mechanical behavior comparable to ASTM polyurethane foams supporting their use for screw insertion training. Screw insertion angles up to 45° have minimal effect on ST, potentially simplifying surrogate manufacturing.
Clinical Relevance:
These findings support the use of 3D printed surrogates across diverse training scenarios, including those with uncertain screw insertion angles, and highlight their potential to simulate diverse bone densities and pathologies, offering a more realistic and versatile solution than traditional foams. Their predictable mechanical behavior offers a safe, standardized, and accessible training method for orthopaedic residents, with potential to reduce screw stripping and fixation failure in patients.
