3D-printing of the elbow in complex posttraumatic elbow-stiffness for preoperative planning, surgery-simulation and postoperative control

Background: Restoration of mobility of the elbow after post-traumatic elbow stiffening due to osteophytes is often a problem.

Methods: The anatomical structures were segmented within the CT-scan. Afterwards, the Multi Jet Fusion 3D-printing was applied to create the model made of biocompatible and steam-sterilizable plastic. Preoperative simulation of osteophyte resection at the 3D-model was performed as well as the direct comparison with the patient anatomy intraoperatively.

Results: The patient-specific was very helpful for the preoperative simulation of the resection of elbow osteophytes. The 3D anatomical representation improved the preoperative plan its implementation. A high degree of fidelity was found between the 3D Printed Anatomical representation and the actual joint pathology.

Conclusions: Arthrolysis of complex post-traumatic bony changes is an important indication for the use of 3D models for preoperative planning. Due to the use of 3D printing and software simulation, accurate resection planning is feasible and residual bony stiffening can be avoided. 3D printing models can lead to an improvement in surgical quality.