China: Researchers Improve Rib Fracture Surgeries with 3D Printing

In ‘Analysis of the advantages of 3D printing in the surgical treatment of multiple rib fractures: 5 cases report,’ Chinese researchers from Shijiazhuang Third Hospital explore better ways to treat rib fractures, one of the most common types of breaks; in fact, as the authors point out, they make up nearly 80 percent of chest injuries. For this study, they examined cases of five patients with multiple rib fractures and created 3D models of the ribs, plus pre-shaped titanium alloy rib locking plates.

Research in past years has shown that ‘surgical intervention’ often results in better outcomes for patients with multiple rib fractures. There are, however, complex considerations in working with fracture sites that are more unique—presenting challenges for surgeons in deciding where to perform incisions. This is where the benefits of 3D printed models enter the picture, allowing for better planning for surgeries.

The study was ongoing from January 2017 to August 2018, examining all five patients, each of which had CT scans to confirm fractures. In each case, 3D printed models were made, and the rib locking plates were 3D printed—specifically to each patient:

Patient one – a 61-year-old male. The 3D printed model assisted in the creation of a two-rib titanium alloy frame locking plate ‘placed on the 3rd rib’s surface, and well fitted with the non-fractured end of the 3rd rib front and rear.’

Patient two – a 57-year-old male with multiple fractures of the left ribs. Surgeons decided to attach the inner end of the locking plate to the sternum the outer end to the rib bone.

Patient three – a 64-year-old female. Surgeons were striving for minimally invasive surgery but were also required to protect breast tissue sufficiently. Ultimately, they affixed the locking plate’s medial side to her sternum body, with the sternum and armpit treated via ‘tunneling open reduction and internal fixation.’

Patients four/five – two male patients both had multiple fractures due to a car accident, with similar surgeries, performed ‘tunneling open reduction and internal fixation.’ A CT scan was used to create 3D models so that the broken ends of their ribs could be ‘adjusted and restored’ accordingly.

Overall, the study was a success, with no fatalities. Time in the operating room was around three hours at the most for each patient, with only one individual experiencing complications, resulting in an ICU stay for one day, due to respiratory issues.

“Postoperative chest radiographs of each patient showed that the internal fixation had good and natural shape,” stated the researchers. “There was good shape to the thoracic contour and [it] was basically symmetrical with the contralateral side.

“In conclusion, for the 5 cases of multiple rib fractures reported in this study, the preoperative application of 3D printing technology can fully reduce the shaping time of intraoperative internal fixator, the difficulty of operation and the injury of patients.

“Therefore, for some specific types of rib fractures, the preoperative application of 3D printing technology has potential significance in achieving precise and individualized treatment, but this method still needs more clinical experience to provide better services for patients.”

3D printing has offered huge advantages to surgeons, especially with models that can be used before and during surgery, allowing for better patient education, medical training for students and surgeons who may be attempting new procedures, and overall improved patient care.

[Source / Images: ‘Analysis of the advantages of 3D printing in the surgical treatment of multiple rib fractures: 5 cases report’]