The Hospital Uses 3D Printing Technology to Assist in The Treatment of Fractures

With the development of 3D printing technology, 3D printed anatomical models are gradually appearing in hospitals around the world, and more and more surgeons are using it to prepare very unusual and highly complex operations. So far, we have seen the 3D print heart model that saved the life of a Russian baby born 5 days old with congenital heart defects. Although these types of projects are usually one-off and rare, many hospitals also make medical models systematically using 3D printing technology. It is located in Holland, Tilburg Elisabeth-TweeSteden hospital is also in the use of 3D printer to print the medical model.

Specifically, the focus of this new 3D printing system will be placed in the fracture, which aims to help the Tilburg trauma surgeons prepare special complex fractures. The initiative was proposed by surgeon Mike Bemelman, which has been tested on many body parts including the pelvis, hips, knees, and even a life size rib. All models are based on patient CT scans. Now, according to doctors, the 3D printer will remain open for 24 hours. It takes 16 hours to complete the pelvic model.

But Bemelman explains that its added value is unlimited. "For a surgeon, these 3D models are very helpful to me because I can see the exact fracture site and make a quick surgical procedure. Even very small fractures that are often overlooked on the screen can become very obvious, "he said. But before that, the digital program required surgeons to take a shot through the CT scan to obtain a complete image of the fracture.

All collected data were then used to establish a very accurate and rapid surgical plan. "I can be in the 3D printing model marked figures clearly show the need to take steps in the process of the operation sequence," he said. What's more, using the model, we can cut the size and position of the screws on the curved metal plate before surgery, which reduces the operation time."

While the patients from this new technology to get the benefit, but the surgeon is still being tested, trying to uncover the full potential of medical 3D printing technology, researcher Dr. Lars Brouwers will conduct a new study of NAZB using 3D printing technology. He will submit a variety of cases to trauma surgeons, including 3D print models that use CT scan data to print diseased parts of patients.

According to Brouwers, they expect the 3D print model to bring a faster and more effective way for fracture classification and treatment. "We also believe that these 3D print models can help young inexperienced surgeons adapt to particularly complex procedures. "The researchers added.