Study on the efficacy of 3D printing technology combined with customized plates for the treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures

Abstract

Abstract Background Anatomical reduction and stable fixation of complex tibial plateau fractures remain challenging in clinical practice. This study examines the efficacy of using 3D printing technology combined with customized plates for treating these fractures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 22 patients treated with 3D printing and customized plates at the Orthopedic Department of the Central Hospital affiliated with Shenyang Medical College from September 2020 to January 2023. These patients were matched with 22 patients treated with traditional plates with similar baseline characteristics. Patients were divided into an experimental group (3D-printed models and customized plates) and a control group (traditional plates). The control group underwent traditional surgical methods, while the experimental group had a preoperative 3D model and customized plates for surgical planning. We compared baseline characteristics and recorded various indicators, including preoperative preparation time, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, hospital stay duration, fracture healing time, complications, knee joint range of motion (ROM), Rasmussen anatomical and functional scores, and HSS scores. Results All surgeries were successful with effective follow-up. The experimental group had shorter surgical time, less intraoperative blood loss, and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies (P 0.05). The incidence of complications was slightly lower in the experimental group but not significantly different. Conclusion 3D printing technology combined with customized plates for complex tibial plateau fractures enables precise articular surface reduction, significantly shortens surgical time, and reduces intraoperative blood loss. This method improves knee joint function, offering a more effective treatment option.

Keywords

• Tibial plateau fracture
• 3D printing
• Customized plate
• Internal fixation
• Surgery