Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of distal femoral osteotomy aided by three-dimensional (3D) printing cutting block for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis. Methods Between January 2014 and January 2016, 12 patients (15 knees) with vaglus deformity and lateral osteoarhritis underwent medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy. There were 5 males and 7 females, aged 30-60 years (mean, 43.8 years). The mean disease duration was 6.6 years (range, 1–12 years). The unilateral knee was involved in 9 cases and bilateral knees in 3 cases. According to Koshino’s staging system, 1 knee was classified as stage I, 9 knees as stage II, and 5 knees as stage III. The X-ray films of bilateral lower extremities showed that the femorotibial angle (FTA) and anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) were (160.40±2.69)° and (64.20±2.11)° respectively. Mimics software was used to design and print the cutting block by 3D printing technique. During operation, the best location of distal femoral osteotomy was determined according to the cutting block. After osteotomy, internal fixation was performed using a steel plate and screws. Results All incisions healed primarily; no complication of infection or deep vein thrombosis was observed. All patients were followed up 6-18 month (mean, 12.2 months). At 6 months after operation, the hospital for special surgery (HSS) score for knee was significantly improved to 89.07±2.49 when compared with preoperative score (65.27±1.49,t=–28.31,P=0.00); the results were excellent in 10 knees, good in 4 knees, and fair in 1 knee with an excellent and good rate of 93.3%. The bony union time was 2.9-4.8 months (mean, 3.3 months). Bone delayed union occurred in 1 case (1 knee). The postoperative FTA and aLDFA were (174.00±1.41)° and (81.87±1.06)° respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=–18.26，P=0.00;t=–25.19,P=0.00). The percentage of medial tibial plateau in whole tibial plateau was 49.78%±0.59%, showing no significant difference when compared with intraoperative measurement (49.82%±0.77%,t=0.14,P=0.89). Conclusion 3D printing cutting block can greatly improve the accuracy of distal femoral osteotomy, and ensure better effectiveness for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accompanied with extra-articular deformity. Methods Between March 2013 and December 2015, 15 patients (18 knees) with extra-articular deformity and KOA underwent TKA. There were 6 males (6 knees) and 9 females (12 knees), aged 55-70 years (mean, 60.2 years). The mean disease duration was 10.8 years (range, 7-15 years). The unilateral knee was involved in 12 cases and bilateral knees in 3 cases. The clinical score was 57.44±1.06 and the functional score was 60.88±1.26 of Knee Society Score (KSS). The range of motion of the knee joint was (72.22±0.18)°. The deviation of mechanical axis of lower limb was (18.89±0.92)° preoperatively. There were 8 cases (10 knees) with extra-articular femoral deformity, 5 cases (5 knees) with extra-articular tibial deformity, and 2 cases (3 knees) with extra-articular femoral and tibial deformities. Bone models and the navigation templates were printed and the operation plans were designed using 3D printing technology. The right knee joint prostheses were chosen. Results The operation time was 65-100 minutes (mean, 75.6 minutes). The bleeding volume was 50-150 mL (mean, 90.2 mL). There was no poor incision healing, infection, or deep venous thrombosis after operation. All patients were followed up 12- 30 months (mean, 22 months). Prostheses were located in the right place, and no sign of loosening or subsidence was observed by X-ray examination. At last follow-up, the deviation of mechanical axis of lower limb was (2.00±0.29)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=13.120, P=0.007). The KSS clinical score was 87.50±0.88 and function score was 81.94±1.41, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=27.553, P=0.000; t=35.551, P=0.000). The range of motion of knee was (101.94±1.42)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=31.633, P=0.000). Conclusion For KOA accompanied with extra-articular deformity, TKA using 3D printing technology has advantages such as individualized treatment, reducing the difficulty of operation, and achieving the satisfactory function.
Objective To discuss the effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing individualized model and guide plate in bone tumor surgery. Methods Between October 2015 and December 2016, 3D printing individualized model and guide plate for making preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative treatment were used in 5 patients of bone tumor. All the patients were male, with a median age of 32 years (range, 9-58 years). There were 1 case of cystic echinococcosis at left pelvis and pathological fracture of the proximal femur; 1 case of left iliac bone osteoblastoma associated with aneurysmal bone cyst; 1 case of fibrous dysplasia of the left femur (sheep horn deformity) with pathological fracture; 1 case of metastatic carcinoma of right calcaneus (tumor staging was T2N0M0); and 1 case of Ewing sarcoma of left femur (tumor staging was T2N0M0). The disease duration ranged from 1 month to 10 years (mean, 2.25 years). Results The operation was completed successfully. The operation time was 2.6-7.5 hours (mean, 4.9 hours). The intraoperative blood loss was 200-2 500 mL (mean, 1 380 mL). The intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 1-6 times (mean, 3.8 times). There was no infection after operation, and the blood supply and nerve function were good. All the patients were followed up 3-16 months (mean, 5.4 months). No loosening or breaking of the internal fixator occurred. According to Enneking scoring system, the limb function score was 15-26 (mean, 21); and the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case. Conclusion 3D printing technology can make the implementation of the better preoperative planning and evaluation in bone tumor surgery, and it provides a new reference for individualized treatment in patients with bone tumor.
The esophageal disease is a major clinical disease. The esophageal stent has extensive clinical applications in the treatment of esophageal diseases. However, the clinical application of esophageal stent is limited, because there are lots of complications after implantation of esophageal stent. Biodegradable esophageal stent has two advantages: biodegradability and good histocompatibility. It is expected to solve a variety of complications of esophageal stent and provide a new choice for the treatment of esophageal diseases. Standardized esophageal stents are not fully applicable to all patients. The application of 3D printing technology in the manufacture of biodegradable esophageal stent can realize the individualized treatment of esophageal stent. And meanwhile, the 3D printing technology can reduce the manufacturing cost of the stent. This review aimed to summarize and discuss the application of esophageal stent, the current research status and prospect of biodegradable esophageal stent and the prospect of 3D printing technology in degradable esophageal stent, hoping to provide evidence and perspectives for the research of biodegradable esophageal stent.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and advantage of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in treatment of internal or external ankle distal avulsed fracture.MethodsBetween January 2015 and January 2017, 20 patients with distal avulsed fracture of internal or external ankle were treated with the 3D guidance of shape-blocking steel plate fixation (group A), and 18 patients were treated with traditional plaster external fixation (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, disease duration, fracture side, and fracture type between 2 groups (P>0.05). Recording the fracture healing rate, fracture healing time, the time of starting to ankle functional exercise, residual ankle pain, and evaluating ankle function recovery of both groups by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.ResultsAll patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 15.5 months. In group A: all incisions healed by first intention, the time of starting to ankle functional exercise was (14±3) days, fracture healing rate was 100%, and the fracture healing time was (10.15±2.00) weeks. At 6 months, the AOFAS score was 90.35±4.65. Among them, 13 patients were excellent and 7 patients were good. All patients had no post-operative incision infection, residual ankle pain, or dysfunction during the follow-up. In group B: the time of starting to ankle functional exercise was (40±10) days, the fracture healing rate was 94.44%, and the fracture healing time was (13.83±7.49) weeks. At 6 months, the AOFAS score was 79.28±34.28. Among them, 15 patients were good, 2 patients were medium, and 1 patient was poor. During the follow-up, 3 patients (16.67%) had pain of ankle joint with different degrees. There were significant differences in the postoperative fracture healing rate, fracture healing time, the time of starting to ankle functional exercise, and postoperative AOFAS score between 2 groups (P<0.05).ConclusionApplication of 3D printing technology in treatment of internal or external ankle distal avulsed fracture is simple, safe, reliable, and effective. In particular, it is an ideal treatment for avulsed fracture.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of unstable pelvic fractures treated by cannulated screw internal fixation with the assistance of three-dimensional (3D) printing insertion template.MethodsThe clinical data of 10 patients who underwent surgical treatment for unstable pelvic fractures by cannulated screw internal fixation with the assistance of 3D printing insertion template between May 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively analysed. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 37.5 years (range, 20-58 years). The causes of injury included falling from height in 5 cases, crushing from heavy load in 1 case, and traffic accidents in 4 cases. The interval from injury to admission was 1-5 hours (mean, 3.1 hours). The fracture situation included 6 cases of sacral fracture, 1 case of right sacroiliac joint dislocation, and 3 cases of iliac bone fracture. There were 10 cases of superior and inferior pubic rami fracture, including 3 cases on the left side (2 cases of suprapubic fracture adjacent to symphysis pubis), 2 cases on the right side, and 5 cases on the bilateral. All fractures were classified according to the Tile system, there were 4 cases of type B2, 1 of type B3, 4 of type C1, and 1 of type C2. The radiological outcome was evaluated by Matta scale, and the positions of the iliosacral screw and superior pubic ramus screw were evaluated according to 3D reconstruction of CT postoperatively. The functional outcome was evaluated by Majeed function scale.ResultsThe average time of each screw implantation was 30 minutes, and the average blood loss per screw incision was 50 mL. The time of implantation of each sacroiliac screw was 24-96 seconds (mean, 62 seconds), and the time of implantation of each suprapubic screw was 42-80 seconds (mean, 63.2 seconds). The hospitalization duration was 17-90 days (mean, 43.7 days). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-22 months (mean, 15.6 months). The radiological outcome was excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases according to Matta scale; and 3D reconstruction of CT demonstrated that all the 9 iliosacral screws were placed as type Ⅰ, and all the 13 suprapubic ramus screws were placed as grade 0 on the first postoperative day. No complication such as neurovascular injury, screw back out or rupture, or secondary fracture displacement was observed during the follow-up. At 6 months after operation, the X-ray films showed good fracture healing in all the 10 patients. The functional outcome was excellent in 9 cases and good in 1 case according to Majeed scale at 1 year after operation. One patient sustained Tile C2 pelvic disruption complicated with L5 nerve root injury achieved complete nervous functional recovery at last follow-up.ConclusionIt has advantages of precise screw insertion and lower risk of neurovascular injury to treat unstable pelvic fractures by cannulated screw internal fixation with the assistance of 3D printing insertion template, which can be a good alternative for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of the repair and reconstruction of large talar lesions with three-dimensional (3D) printed talar components by biomechanical test.MethodsSix cadaveric ankle specimens were used in this study and taken CT scan and reconstruction. Then, 3D printed talar component and osteotomy guide plate were designed and made. After the specimen was fixed on an Instron mechanical testing machine, a vertical pressure of 1 500 N was applied to the ankle when it was in different positions (neutral, 10° of dorsiflexion, and 14° of plantar flexion). The pressure-bearing area and pressure were measured and calculated. Then osteotomy on specimen was performed and 3D printed talar components were implanted. And the biomechanical test was performed again to compare the changes in pressure-bearing area and pressure.ResultsBefore the talar component implantation, the pressure-bearing area of the talus varied with the ankle position in the following order: 10° of dorsiflexion > neutral position > 14° of plantar flexion, showing significant differences between positions ( P<0.05). The pressure exerted on the talus varied in the following order: 10° of dorsiflexion < neutral position < 14° of plantar flexion, showing significant differences between positions (P<0.05). The pressure-bearing area and pressure were not significantly different between before and after talar component implantations in the same position (P>0.05). The pressure on the 3D printed talar component was not significantly different from the overall pressure on the talus (P>0.05).ConclusionApplication of the 3D printed talar component can achieve precise repair and reconstruction of the large talar lesion. The pressure on the repaired site don’t change after operation, indicating the clinical feasibility of this approach.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and advantage of three-dimensional (3D) printed navigation templates assisted Ludloff osteotomy in treatment of moderate and severe hallux valgus.MethodsBetween April 2013 and February 2015, 28 patients (28 feet) with moderate and severe hallux valgus who underwent Ludloff osteotomy were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=14). In group A, the patients were treated with Ludloff osteotomy assissted with a 3D printed navigation template. In group B, the patients were treated with traditional Ludloff osteotomy. There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, and clinical classification between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The ankle function of the foot at preoperation, immediate after operation, and last follow-up were assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Besides, the X-ray film were taken to assess the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the first metatarsal length shortening.ResultsAll patients were followed up 18-40 months (mean, 26.4 months). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). The HVA, IMA, and AOFAS scores in groups A and B at immediate after operaton and last follow-up were sinificantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05); but no significant difference was found between at immediate after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in HVA and IMA between group A and group B at difference time points (P>0.05). There were significant differences in AOFAS score and the first metatarsal length shortening at immediate after operation and at last follow-up between 2 groups (P<0.05). Except 1 case of metastatic metatarsalgia in group B, there was no other operative complications in both groups.Conclusion3D printed navigation template assisted Ludloff osteotomy can provide accurate preoperative planning and intraoperative osteotomy. It is an ideal method for moderate and severe hallux valgus.
Bone tumor surgery involves tumor resection and subsequent reconstruction. With the development of surgical technique and new material, there is a great step toward bone and joint reconstruction in bone tumor surgery. Generally speaking, there are two major reconstructive methods including bio-reconstruction and mechanical reconstruction. In addition, three-dimensional printed prosthesis has been widely applied in the field of bone tumor surgery. The short-term result is encouraged; however, long-term results and related complications are seldom reported.
ObjectiveTo manufacture a polycaprolactone (PCL)/type Ⅰ collagen (COL Ⅰ) tissue engineered meniscus scaffold (hereinafter referred to as PCL/COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold) by three-dimensional (3D) printing with low temperature deposition technique and to study its physicochemical properties.MethodsFirst, the 15% PCL/4% COLⅠ composite solution and 15% PCL simple solution were prepared. Then, 15% PCL/4% COL Ⅰmeniscus scaffold and 15% PCL meniscal scaffold were prepared by using 3D printing with low temperature deposition techniques. The morphology and microstructure of the scaffolds were observed by gross observation and scanning electron microscope. The compression modulus and tensile modulus of the scaffolds were measured by biomechanical test. The components of the scaffolds were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The contact angle of the scaffold surface was measured. The meniscus cells of rabbits were cultured with the two scaffold extracts and scaffolds, respectively. After cultured, the cell proliferations were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), and the normal cultured cells were used as controls. Cell adhesion and growth of scaffold-cell complex were observed by scanning electron microscope.ResultsAccording to the gross and scanning electron microscope observations, two scaffolds had orientated 3D microstructures and pores, but the surface of the PCL/COLⅠ meniscus scaffold was rougher than the PCL meniscus scaffold. Biomechanical analysis showed that the tensile modulus and compression modulus of the PCL/COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold were not significantly different from those of the PCL meniscus scaffold (P>0.05). FTIR analysis results showed that COL Ⅰ and PCL were successful mixed in PCL/ COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffolds. The contact angle of PCL/COLⅠ meniscus scaffold [(83.19±7.49)°] was significantly lower than that of PCL meniscus scaffold [(111.13±5.70)°] (t=6.638, P=0.000). The results of the CCK-8 assay indicated that with time, the number of cells cultured in two scaffold extracts showed an increasing trend, and there was no significant difference when compared with the control group (P>0.05). Scanning electron microscope observation showed that the cells attached on the PCL/ COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold more than that on the PCL scaffold.ConclusionPCL/COLⅠmeniscus scaffolds are prepared by 3D printing with low temperature deposition technique, which has excellent physicochemical properties without cytotoxicity. PCL/COLⅠmeniscus scaffold is expected to be used as the material for meniscus tissue engineering.