Orthopedics and 3D technology in Turkey: A preliminary report
Cemil Ertürk1
, Simel Ayyıldız2,3, Cevdet Erdöl4
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
2Gülhane Medical Design and Manufacturing Application and Research Center, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
3Department of Prosthodontics, Gülhane Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
4Rector of University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
Keywords: Computer-assisted, pilon fracture, revision total hip arthroplasty, three-dimensional, 3D modeling, 3D printing
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we present the use of case specific three- dimensional (3D) printed plastic models and custom-made acetabular implants in orthopedic surgery.
Materials and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2020, surgeries were simulated using plastic models manufactured by 3D printers on the two patients with pilon fractures. Also, custom-made acetabular implants were used on two patients with an acetabular bone defect for the revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Results: More comfortable surgeries were experienced in pilon fractures using preoperative plastic models. Similarly, during the follow-up period, the patients that applied custom-made acetabular implants showed a fixed and well-positioning in radiographic examination. These patients did not experience any surgical complications and achieved an excellent recovery.
Conclusion: Preoperative surgical simulation with 3D printed models can increase the comfort of fracture surgeries. Also, custom-made 3D printed acetabular implants can perform an important task in patients treated with revision THA surgery due to severe acetabular defects.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.