Poster Presentation

Application of 3D printing technology on the treatment of Pilon fracture and its effect on doctor-patient communication

Dr Cai Leyi
The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University

Abstract

Purpose

This study was aimed to compare conventional surgery and surgery assisted by 3D printing technology in the treatment of Pilon fractures.

Methods

We enrolled 100 patients with Pilon fractures from March 2013 to December 2016. They were divided randomly into two groups: 50 cases of 3D printing group, 50 cases of conventional group. The individual models were used to simulate the surgery and carry out the surgery according to plan in 3D printing group. Operation time, blood loss volume, fluoroscopy times, fracture union time and fracture reduction were recorded. Final functional outcomes including VAS and AOFAS score and the complications were also evaluated. Besides, we made a simple questionnaire to verify the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model for both doctors and patients.

Results

3D printing group exhibited significantly shorter operation time, less blood loss volume, fluoroscopy times, higher rate of anatomic reduction and higher rate of excellent and good outcome than conventional group (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.040 and P=0.029, respectively). However, No significant difference was noted in the complications between the two groups (P=0.510). Furthermore, the questionnaire showed that both doctors and patients exhibited high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of 3D printing models.

Conclusion

This study suggested the clinical feasibility of 3D printing technology in treatment of Pilon fractures.