Overview
An open fracture is a fracture with an associated break in the skin and soft tissues. Tricolumnar fractures involve all three columns of the pelvis (anterior, posterior, and sacral).Diagnosis
Acetabular and articular fractures are frequent indications for 3D printing in surgical planning 1.Management
3D printing can be used for enhanced surgical planning and stereotactic identification of fracture morphology in complex fractures 1.
Industrial-grade machines, dedicated software, and trained personnel can improve the capacity and reliability of fracture treatment using 3D printing 1.
Interdisciplinary, jointly used 3D printing departments with sound financial and management structures may improve sustainability 1.Key Recommendations
3D printing is supported by clinical evidence for use in orthopedic trauma, particularly for acetabular and articular fractures and malalignments 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Exploiting existing computed tomography (CT) data for 3D printing can improve stereotactic identification of fracture morphology and surgical planning 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Addressing logistic and technical barriers is important for the rapid delivery of 3D printed models in fracture treatment 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Fang C, Cai L, Chu G, Jarayabhand R, Kim JW, O'Neill G. 3D printing in fracture treatment : Current practice and best practice consensus. Unfallchirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany) 2022. link