Three-dimensional printing improves osteochondral allograft placement in complex cases.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2018

Publication Title

Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy

Abstract

The use of three-dimensional (3D) printing has seen a vast expansion over recent years, with an increased application for its use in orthopaedics. This report details the use of 3D printing technology to aid in the treatment of a medial femoral condyle osteochondral defect in a 26-year-old female who had previously undergone a failed autograft procedure. A preoperative computed tomography scan of the knee and chondral defect was used to generate a 3D printed, one-to-one scale replica of the distal femur. This replica was then used to size a patient-specific allograft plug for the osteochondral transplantation procedure. The patient recovered well, and 1 year postoperatively the allograft was well incorporated into the medial femoral condyle and healed. This report illustrates the advantages of using a 3D printed model to allow for tactile feedback and improved visualization that will allow for improved understanding of complex surgical procedures.Level of evidence V.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Allografts; Cartilage; Female; Femur; Humans; Models, Anatomic; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PubMed ID

29441429

Volume

26

Issue

12

First Page

3601

Last Page

3605

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