Rapid prototyping for orthopaedic surgery

The revision of an orthopaedic procedure can present surgeons with the challenge of a complex reconstructive process. Orthopaedic surgery can also face considerable challenges in cases presenting extensive primary injuries with multiple bone fragmentation, as well as in cases presenting bone deformities. Radiographs are used routinely for orthopaedic surgical planning, yet they provide inadequate information on the precise three-dimensional extent of bone defects. Three-dimensional reconstructions from X-ray computed tomography offer superior visualization but are not portable for consultation or readily available in the operating theatre for guidance during a procedure. A physical model manufactured from X-ray computed tomography data can offer surgeons a clear understanding of complex anatomical detail, by providing an intuitive physical relationship between patient and model. Rapid prototyping was used for the construction of an anatomical model in a case presenting with a complex shoulder injury. The model provided a definitive interpretation of joint pathology and enabled a full assessment of the degree of injury.