[Patient specific implants and instruments in orthopaedic trauma: 3D prints and implants in perlvic and hip fractures].

Abstract

Modern pelvic surgery is essentially influenced by technological innovations. One of the most impressive advances in this field is the integration of 3D printing and the associated possibility for the production of 1:1 models of the pelvic skeleton. Using these models, conventional pelvic implants can preoperatively be more exactly and patient-specifically contoured. The use of this technology has the potential to substantially improve the quality of care and simultaneously to optimize the surgical results. By the use of 3D-printed implants, which are individually adapted to the anatomical conditions of the patient, operations can not only be carried out more quickly and efficiently but also with a greater accuracy and potentially fewer complications. This article presents two instructive cases. Case 1 demonstrates how a proximal femoral fracture with a pre-existing deformity of the femur can be treated with a patient-specific implant. Treatment with conventional intramedullary or extramedullary implants was not possible. Case 2 illustrates the treatment of a pelvic ring fracture and the advantage of 3D printing for the preoperative patient-specific contouring of conventional plate systems.