The Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Classification and Preoperative Planning of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

Abstract

Background: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common intra-articular fractures in clinic. And its accurate classification and treatment is a difficult problem for orthopedic surgeons. Our research aims to investigate the application value of 3D printing in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods: 28 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January, 2017 to January, 2019.01 were analyzed. Preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and then DICOM data were input into the computer. We use Mimics to process data. And 3D printing technology was applied to print the 3D model of fracture (1:1). Combined with the 3D printed model, the tibial plateau fractures were subdivided into seven types according to the geometric plane of the tibial plateau. The surgical approach was determined on the 3D printed model. And then simulated operations such as accurate reduction of fracture and selection of plate placement were performed.Results: The reconstructed 3D model of tibial plateau fracture can accurately reflect the direction of fracture components displacement and the degree of plateau collapse. Also, it can help with the preoperative reconstructive plan for the tibial plateau fracture. The intraoperative fracture details were basically the same as the 3D printed model. And The fracture surface of the tibial plateau of all 28 patients was well improved in terms of restoring the anatomical structure.Conclusion: 3D printing technology can be used to guide the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.