9 SEPTEMBER 2024following a major bone tumour resection in the pelvis. Patients with abnormal skeletal anatomy poses a significant challenge in joint arthroplasty surgery, where off the shelf conventional implants would not fit the patient's abnormal anatomy. The ability to custom design and 3D print patient specific implants in such cases have allowed Orthopedic surgeons to address surgical challenges which conventional implants would not have been able to address.The following is a case example in which 3D printing was utilised in pre-operative planning of a 62 years old female who 3 months following her right total knee replacement, sustained a right tibia peri-prosthetic fracture due to an accidental fall. Pre-op CT scan shows a displaced proximal tibia shaft fracture at the level of the tibial stem with intact implant components (Figure 1). DICOM files from the CT scan was subsequently utilised to 3D print a life size bone model for the use of pre-operative planning (Figure 2) and appropriate fixation plate was selected (Figure 3). The fixation plate was subsequently pre-bend and contoured onto the bone model for best fit before being sent for sterilisation prior to actual surgery (Figure 4).Aside for its clinical use, 3D printed bone models have been pivotal in the area of education. Medical students, surgical residents as well as specialist have benefited from the use of 3D bone models. These models allow for a better understanding of anatomy and disease processes. It serves as an invaluable communication tool between health professionals and patients. Patients are able to better understand the disease process and make more informed decision regarding surgery. 3D printing in healthcare is developing rapidly in recent decades. What started off as simple printing of 3D bone models for pre-operative planning has evolved into bio printing of biological cells to restore the diseased human body. A lot of research and development is underway and it is an exciting time to witness the ever evolving forefront of medical technology in pursuit of better patient care. Figure 1(3D bone model of a tibialperi-prosthetic fracture)Figure 2(Simulated fracture reduction on the 3D bone model)Figure 3(Pre-operative implant selection with the aid of a 3D printed bone model)Figure 4(Implant was pre-bent and contoured to best-fit. The implant chosen was subsequently sent for sterilisation for use during actual surgery the following day)Figure 5(Post operative X-rays following reduction and internal fixation of fracture)THE ADVANCEMENT IN 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS BIOMATERIAL DEVELOPMENT HAS ALLOWED FOR THE PRINTING OF CUSTOM PATIENT SPECIFIC BONE SCAFFOLDS
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