Application of 3D printing navigation system in pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion surgery

Abstract

To investigate 3D printing navigation system in pediatric epiphyseal complex lesion surgery. 10 children with epiphyseal complex lesions of the lower limb were recruited. After collecting imaging data such as CT and MRI in children with epiphyseal complex lesions of the lower limb, a three-dimensional model of bone was constructed using 3D printed computer modeling technologies for the localization of the lesion area. The extent of bone bridges was less than 30%, and all of them met the indications for bone bridge resection surgery. 3D printed navigation templates guided lesion resection. Epiphyseal block growth regulation with a figure-of-eight plate was also used in cases with preexisting abnormal alignment. During the operation, the average surgical incision was 4.0 cm, the bone bridge positioning was accurate, and the bone bridge tissue could be successfully and completely removed. As a result of follow-up, no cases had residual bone bridge tissue, no iatrogenic epiphyseal injury was found, and the epiphyseal plate was open in all children. 3D printing navigation system improved the accuracy of resection of lower limb epiphyseal complex lesions, significantly reduced the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy, avoided iatrogenic injury to the epiphyseal complex due to positioning errors, thereby reducing postoperative complications and considerably improving the prognosis of a series of lower limb epiphyseal complex lesion diseases in children.