Effectiveness of Custom-Designed 3D-Printed Drill Guides in the Treatment of Lateral Humeral Condylar Fractures in a French Bulldog Bone Model

The French Bulldog is a breed predisposed to lateral humeral intercondylar fractures. A transcondylar lag screw combined with an epicondylar pin is most commonly used for their repair. However, improper screw and pin placement is common. This study used a 3D-printed plastic bone model, designed from a 5-year-old 19.5 kg French Bulldog’s humerus. Then, a 3D-printed drill guide was designed specifically for a lateral humeral condylar fracture. The bone models were divided into two groups: the first group included the use of the 3D-printed drill guide during the screw and pin placement, and the second group did not. After implantation, we compared the angle deviation of the transcondylar screw and the epicondylar pin, as well as the exit point translation of the transcondylar screw. The results showed differences between the two groups. The first group exhibited a lower angle deviation than the second group. Additionally, the exit point translation of the transcondylar screw was reduced in the drill guide group. The use of a custom-designed 3D-printed drill guide significantly improved the accuracy of the transcondylar screw and epicondylar pin placement. This advancement could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.