OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of a drill template for the placement of reverse intramedullary lag screws on the outside of the pubis based on digital design and 3D printing technology.

METHODSThe preoperative CT images of a 23-year-old male patient with pelvic fracture were collected retrospectively. According to the Young and Burgess classification, the type of pelvic fracture was LC IIwith the 3D printing technology. The data was reconstructed by 3D imaging reconstruction software to produce 1:1 three dimensional model. The screw channel and the individual drill template was designed by the softwares of Mimics 10.01 and Geomagic 12, the accuracy of a drill template was observed by X-rays and CT scans after the placement of 2.0 mm K-wires in the three dimensional template fixed on the model.

RESULTSThree dimensional pelvic model and digital, individual drill template could meet the requirement of the placement of reverse interamodullary lay screw for the treatment of superior ramus of pubis fracture. K-wire was placed and the accuracy of screw placement was confirmed using the X-ray and CT scanning. Template and the corresponding anatomical landmark fitted well.

CONCLUSIONSWith the assistance of the individual design and 3D printing technology, the accurate placement of superior ramus of pubis fracture screws can be realized. This technology is helpful to reduce the operation time and X-ray exposure of the patients and doctors.