Orthopedics and 3D technology in Turkey: A preliminary report

Jt Dis Relat Surg. 2021;32(2):279-289. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2021.20. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we present the use of case specific three-dimensional (3D) printed plastic models and custom-made acetabular implants in orthopedic surgery.

Materials and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2020, surgeries were simulated using plastic models manufactured by 3D printers on the two patients with pilon fractures. Also, custom-made acetabular implants were used on two patients with an acetabular bone defect for the revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Results: More comfortable surgeries were experienced in pilon fractures using preoperative plastic models. Similarly, during the follow-up period, the patients that applied custom-made acetabular implants showed a fixed and well-positioning in radiographic examination. These patients did not experience any surgical complications and achieved an excellent recovery.

Conclusion: Preoperative surgical simulation with 3D printed models can increase the comfort of fracture surgeries. Also, custom-made 3D printed acetabular implants can perform an important task in patients treated with revision THA surgery due to severe acetabular defects.

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / diagnostic imaging
  • Acetabulum / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Female
  • Hip Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Preoperative Period
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Reoperation
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Turkey