Francesca Giovannini
PROFESSOR
Title: Traumatological application of 3D printed model of injuried pelvis: a case report
Biography
Biography: Francesca Giovannini
Abstract
Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and rapid prototyping, starting from computed tomography (CT), are promising technologies that can facilitate preoperative programming and intraoperative implementation, thus obtaining better results in complex fractures. Moreover, it is possible not only to simulate CAD reductions but also to design customized plates. In the case that we treated, a plate was made of two pieces (like a puzzle-plate) in order to be able to position a first plate without removing the reduction instruments and the second plate after the partial synthesis obtained to complete it.
Materials and Methods: We decided to use this method to increase the evaluation of the "personality of the lesion" and to obtain a custom synthesis tool made in a case of diastasis of the pubic symphysis.
Results: The solid model (3D printed model) allowed accurate preoperative planning, facilitating the surgical approach and the production of a custom-made plate.
Discussion: We reduced surgical time thanks to the perfect knowledge of the structure of the lesion, the reduction maneuvers and the presence of a custom-made plate. In addition, soft tissue damage, blood loss, risk of infection and use of ionizing radiation were reduced if compared to a case approached by the standard method.
Conclusions: The method described has been extremely useful in the surgical treatment of the diastasis of pubic symphysis.