Randomized trial evaluates 3D printing's impact on operative efficiency in tibial plateau fractures, suggesting benefits for surgical planning.
Key Points
The study aims to assess if 3D-printed models enhance preoperative planning and clinical outcomes in tibial plateau fracture surgeries.
Conducted a randomized clinical trial with 35 patients having tibial plateau fractures.
Assigned participants to standard planning using radiographs (control group) or to 3D-assisted planning (3D group).
Evaluated operative and fluoroscopy times as primary outcomes and various clinical scores as secondary outcomes.
The 3D group had a median operative time of 100 minutes vs 119 minutes for control, and fluoroscopy use was lower (98s vs 100s), but differences were not statistically significant.
The 3D models significantly influenced surgical strategies, especially in reduction planning and implant selection.
Both groups demonstrated similar recovery outcomes at 12 months, with no notable difference in complication rates.