Objective To investigate the clinical application value of 3D printing technology in the treatment of complex posterior lateral tibial plateau fractures using the suprafibular approach.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 67 patients with complex posterior lateral tibial plateau fractures treated with the suprafibular approach. Patients were divided into 3D printing group (35 cases) and conventional group (32 cases) based on whether 3D printing simulation surgery was used preoperatively. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency were compared between the two groups. Postoperative complications such as incision infection, popliteal vessel injury, and common peroneal nerve injury were observed. Fracture healing time was recorded during follow-up, and Rasmussen scores were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee function score was assessed during the final follow-up.
Results The follow-up duration for 67 patients was 14 to 22 months. One patient in each group developed postoperative incision infection, and no complications such as popliteal vessel injury, common peroneal nerve injury, or deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity occurred. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency were significantly lower in the 3D printing group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fracture healing time, Rasmussen scores at 6 months postoperatively, and HSS scores during the final follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion The application of 3D printing technology in the treatment of complex posterior lateral tibial plateau fractures using the suprafibular approach can optimize surgical plans, shorten operation time, and reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency.
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