Three-Dimensional Printed Models in Pre-Operative Planning of Complex Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing was introduced firstly for industrial use, but it gained popularity in different medical fields, including orthopedic surgeries. Particularly, 3D-printed models have been used in the pre-operative planning for spine surgery, oncology, acetabular fracture treatment and complex primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or revision THA. In knee surgery, some authors described good accuracy with 3D-printed wedge for Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy (OWHTO), but there are no studies describing its application in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). In both primary and revision TKA, a 3D-printed model may be useful to better evaluate knee morphology and deformity, implants, bone losses and the compatibility between different components used. Furthermore, some companies provide a bone thickness evaluation, which may be useful to identify zones at risk of intra-operative fracture, especially in those cases in which a cone or sleeve must be used. The first aim of this manuscript was to evaluate possible application of 3D-printed model in pre-operative planning of both complex primary and revision TKA, compared to standard planning. Two clinical cases will also be described to show how these models can be used for planning purposes.