Fixation of pelvic acetabular fractures using 3D-printed fracture plates: a cadaver study

Abstract

Open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic acetabular fractures are challenging due to the limited surgical exposure from surrounding abdominal tissue. There have been a number of recent trials using metallic 3D-printed pelvic fracture plates to simplify and improve various elements of these fracture fixation surgeries; however, the amount of time and accuracy involved in the design and implantation of customised plates have not been well characterised. This study recorded the amount of time related to the design, manufacture and implantation of six customised fracture plates for five cadaveric pelvic specimens with acetabular fracture, while manufacturing, and surgical accuracy was calc..