Abstract
BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of complex pelvic trauma or developmental bone abnormalities is challenging as it involves in-depth understanding of a complex three-dimensional structure. Advances in medical imaging and rapid prototyping allow for detailed pre-operative planning and manufacture of planning models, custom jigs and prostheses to make this type of surgery manageable with good results. METHODS: We report the reconstruction of a hip and proximal femur using planning models, jigs and custom prostheses produced by rapid prototyping methods. These tools helped to solve a complex problem and produced a good functional result for the patient RESULTS: In this case report the patient underwent the reconstruction of her right hip joint. She was unable to mobilise well independently prior to the surgery. The surgery provided her with a stable and functional hip joint. This allows her to mobilise independently with an external prosthesis. One year down the line she has a Fair MSTS score (14 of 30) CONCLUSION: Advances in medical imagining and rapid prototyping have produced planning and operative tools with which surgeons are able to solve complex problems safely and with good result. This technology has widespread use not only in orthopaedics but other surgical disciplines, and with increasing availability and improved cost effectiveness will be used more frequently in the future. Level of evidence: Level V (case report)
Highlights
The reconstruction of complex pelvic trauma or developmental bone deformities is problematic with little in the literature by way of guidance.[1,2] The primary goals of achieving a long-term, functioning and pain-free hip joint after pelvic reconstruction are to recreate the integrity and symmetry of the bony pelvic ring and to balance the soft tissues carefully.[3]
Proprietary hardware, software and services are known to be extremely costly when customised reconstructions are required.[3]. This case report demonstrates that the use of 3D printing and rapid prototyping can provide affordable and personalised templates and implants, which table i: Definition of terms
We describe below an example where this technology was used to assist in the reconstruction of a severely dysplastic acetabulum
Summary
In this case report the patient underwent the reconstruction of her right hip joint. She was unable to mobilise well independently prior to the surgery. The surgery provided her with a stable and functional hip joint. This allows her to mobilise independently with an external prosthesis. One year down the line she has a Fair MSTS score (14 of 30)
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