Our Summary

This research paper is essentially a review of various studies that have used 3D printing technology in treating wrist bone (scaphoid) fractures. 3D printing is becoming more common in medical procedures because it can create precise, customized surgical plans, tools, and implants. Treating scaphoid fractures can be difficult, but 3D printing could potentially make it easier and more accurate.

In their review, the researchers looked at studies up until November 2020, taking into account factors such as how the 3D printing was used, how long surgeries took, the accuracy of the treatment, the amount of radiation used, the length of follow-up, the time it took for the fracture to heal, any complications, and the quality of the study.

They found 649 articles, but only 12 met all of their criteria. These studies revealed that 3D printing can be used in a variety of ways to assist with scaphoid surgeries. For instance, it can create guides for inserting wires into non-displaced fractures, help with the realignment of displaced or non-united fractures, and even make patient-specific prosthetics that closely mimic the body’s natural movements.

The review concluded that using 3D printed models and tools can make scaphoid surgeries more accurate and quicker, and reduce the amount of radiation exposure. Furthermore, 3D printed prosthetics can restore nearly normal wrist movements without making future procedures more difficult.

FAQs

  1. How does 3D printing technology aid in the treatment of scaphoid fractures?
  2. What findings did the researchers conclude about the use of 3D printing in scaphoid surgeries?
  3. What are some ways in which 3D printing can assist with scaphoid surgeries according to the reviewed studies?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about scaphoid fracture surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. This may include wearing a splint or cast, attending physical therapy sessions, and avoiding certain activities that could disrupt the healing process. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scaphoid fracture surgery are those with displaced fractures, non-united fractures, or fractures that have not healed properly with conservative treatment. Additionally, patients who have complex fractures or fractures in specific locations of the scaphoid bone may also benefit from surgery. The use of 3D printing technology in scaphoid fracture surgeries can provide more precise and customized treatment options for these patients, leading to better outcomes and reduced complications.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experience before and after scaphoid fracture surgery:

Before surgery:

  • Patient experiences wrist pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  • Patient undergoes physical examination, X-rays, and potentially an MRI to diagnose the scaphoid fracture.
  • Treatment options such as casting, bracing, or surgery are discussed with the patient.
  • If surgery is recommended, the patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including medical history evaluation, blood tests, and possibly a pre-surgical consultation with the surgeon.

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes scaphoid fracture surgery using traditional methods or with the assistance of 3D printed models and tools.
  • Recovery period includes immobilization of the wrist, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness post-surgery, which gradually improves over time.
  • Follow-up X-rays and potentially CT scans are performed to monitor the healing of the fracture.
  • Patient gradually regains strength and range of motion in the wrist through physical therapy and exercises.
  • Depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing process, full recovery can take several months to a year.

Overall, scaphoid fracture surgery, whether traditional or utilizing 3D printing technology, aims to restore function and reduce pain in the wrist for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scaphoid fracture surgery include:

  1. How will 3D printing technology be used in my surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using 3D printing in my particular case?
  3. How long will the surgery take with the use of 3D printing?
  4. How accurate is the treatment when 3D printing is involved?
  5. Will the use of 3D printing reduce the amount of radiation exposure during the procedure?
  6. What is the expected length of follow-up after the surgery?
  7. How long does it typically take for a scaphoid fracture to heal with the use of 3D printing?
  8. Are there any potential complications associated with using 3D printing in scaphoid fracture surgery?
  9. How will 3D printed prosthetics or tools impact my recovery and future mobility?
  10. What is the overall quality of the studies that have been conducted using 3D printing in scaphoid fracture surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Li LX, Kedgley AE, Horwitz MD. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2023 Feb;28(1):22-33. doi: 10.1142/S2424835523500042. Epub 2023 Feb 13. PMID: 36803332