Computer-assisted extra-articular distal radius osteotomies using patient-specific surgical guides

Abstract

Malunions of the distal radius are often treated with correction osteotomies, which can be challenging to perform.In this report, 23 patients with symptomatic distal radius malunions were treated using 3D printed patient-specific surgical guides to facilitate surgery. Patients were compared with a control group of 23 patients that underwent similar surgery with a conventional x-ray planning approach.Postoperatively all patients in the computer-assisted group showed recovery of ROM, with no anatomical abnormalities on x-ray examination. 6 patients in the conventional planning group had reduced ROM with a residual volar tilt on x-ray images.Computer-assisted planning with the use of 3D printed patient-specific surgical guides enhances results of corrective osteotomies of distal radius malunions.