An Overview of 3D Anatomical Model Printing in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Introduction

3D object printing technology is a resource increasingly used in medicine in recent years, mainly incorporated in surgical areas like orthopedics. The models made by 3D printing technology provide surgeons with an accurate analysis of complex anatomical structures, allowing the planning, training, and surgery simulation. In orthopedic surgery, this technique is especially applied in oncological surgeries, bone, and joint reconstructions, and orthopedic trauma surgeries. In these cases, it is possible to prototype anatomical models for surgical planning, simulating, and training, besides printing of instruments and implants.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the acquisition and processing from computed tomography images for 3D printing, to describe modeling and the 3D printing process of the biomodels in real size. This paper highlights 3D printing with the applicability of the 3D biomodels in orthopedic surgeries and shows some examples of surgical planning in orthopedic trauma surgery.

Patients and Methods

Four examples were selected to demonstrate the workflow and rationale throughout the process of planning and printing 3D models to be used in a variety of situations in orthopedic trauma surgeries. In all cases, the use of 3D modeling has impacted and improved the final treatment strategy.

Conclusion

The use of the virtual anatomical model and the 3D printed anatomical model with the additive manufacturing technology proved to be effective and useful in planning and performing the surgical treatment of complex articular fractures, allowing surgical planning both virtual and with the 3D printed anatomical model, besides being useful during the surgical time as a navigation instrument.

Pediatric Cervical Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Treated by Endovascular Approach

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare, benign, and expansible bone lesion, occurring mainly in childhood. Although most lesions are located at the metaphysis of long bones, they can also be found in flat bones and spine.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 16-year-old boy with cervical ABC treated by endovascular embolization. The afferents were occluded as a preoperative preparation for surgery; however, as the patient became asymptomatic after the procedure, the family refused surgery. Image at 1-year follow-up showed reduction and ossification of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment decreases surgical morbidity by reducing blood loss, which is particularly important in the pediatric population. This therapeutic option may also halt ABC growth in selected cases.