Science Letters

Advantages of 3D printed hip model over conventional imaging methods

MujtabaAnsari, Qingqiang Yao, Qiangrong Gu, Bo Wei, Shuai Liu, Xiang Zhang, Uzair Masood, Mohammed Ghouse, Liming Wang*

Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the advantages of a printed 3D hip model over the conventional imaging techniques such as X ray and CT scan. Out of all the patients that presented at our hospital with femoral neck fractures, one patient of age 51 was selected. Time taken for the investigation, cost effectiveness, the aid in preoperative planning, and the operative time of the surgery following the patient's investigation were compared between 3D printed model and the conventional radiograph techniques. The results were studied retrospectively. The visualization ability and the capability of localizing fracture lines and degree of comminution were of higher quality and precise for 3D printed models. The preoperative planning was precise with a 3D model which in turn led to a decreased operative duration. On the other hand, the cost required for doing a 3D print was significantly higher than the other conventional imaging techniques. Also the fact that a 3D printed model could only be prepared using the conventional radiographic images, the time required to obtain a 3D model was significantly higher than the other techniques. The 3D prints allow the surgeons to take the preoperative decisions preoperatively. This also aids in the decision of implant selection and the approach for the surgery. Subsequently owing to the better preoperative planning, the risk of post-operative complications can be reduced significantly.

Key words: 3D printing, femoral neck fractures, conventional imaging methods.

Received April 07, 2015 Revised May 29, 2015 Published online first June 30, 2015

*Corresponding author: Qingqiang Yao Email: 13918415@qq.com