The clinical application of custom 3D-printed acetabular filling technology in complicated hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Objective To observe and summarize the clinical efficacy and surgical experience of 3D printing technology in hip arthroplasty for severe acetabular bone deficiency. Methods 3D printing was applied to 11 complicated hip surgeries for Paprosky Ⅳ acetabular bone deficiency. The imaging data of the patients were captured and utilized to build CAD models. These data were converted and input to 3D printer to print the model of defected acetabular bone. Meanwhile, defected acetabulum was repaired with active titanium filling through hip arthroplasty, to reconstruct the rotation center of the hips and implant hip joint prosthesis. Imaging data and Harris hip score were monitored after the surgeries. Results The Harris hip scores of the 11 patients were 46.6±10.7 before surgeries, and imaging data indicated severe acetabular bone deficiency. After surgeries, imaging data presented that the acetabular bone deficiency was repaired by printed filling. Moreover, rotation center was reconstructed successfully. The Harris hip score became 85.2±4.5 at 6th month after the surgeries, which showed satisfactory clinical efficacy. Conclusion 3D-printing technology implemented in hip surgeries for Paprosky Ⅳ acetabular bone deficiency can be successfully utilized to mock surgery, print acetabular filling and improve the efficacy and success rate of the surgery. Key words: 3D-printing technology; Hip arthroplasty; Acetabular bone deficiency