Hinged external fixator placement assisted by a 3D printed guide plate for elbow terror triad
10.3760/cma.j.cn115530-20240728-00321
- VernacularTitle:3D打印导板辅助铰链外固定支架固定在肘部损伤三联征中的应用
- Author:
Jiaxin CHEN
1
;
Xingxing MA
;
Wendong ZHANG
Author Information
1. 扬州大学附属苏北人民医院骨科，扬州 225000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Elbow joints;
Dislocation;
External fixators;
Joint instability;
3D image
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
2025;27(1):76-83
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of a 3D printed guide plate in the placement of a hinged external fixator for treatment of elbow terror triad.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 10 patients with elbow terror triad who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from July 2021 to July 2023 by the hinged external fixator placement assisted by a 3D printed guide plate. There were 6 males and 4 females, aged (48.2±19.7) years. The range of elbow motion and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score in the patients were recorded and compared between preoperation and the last follow-up. Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and complications were also recorded at the last follow-up.Results:The central axis of the elbow rotation was successfully located at one time under the assistance of the 3D printed guide plate in the 10 patients. Intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative CT computer simulation verified that the rotation center of the hinged external fixator was consistent with that of the elbow joint. All patients were followed up for 12.0 (5.5, 13.5) months. The elbow flexion and extension at the last follow-up in the 10 patients were 126.2°±6.1° and 153.2°±5.9°, respectively, significantly better than those before operation (23.3°±6.7° and 121.2°±5.7°) ( P<0.05). Their VAS pain score was 1 (0, 1) point at the last follow-up, significantly lower than that before operation [3 (2, 3) points] ( P<0.05). Their MEPS score at the last follow-up was (88.0±6.8) points, giving 6 excellent and 4 good cases. No patient experienced such complications as pin tract infection, loosening or breakage of fixation needles, or radial nerve injury. Ectopic ossification occurred in 2 patients, and 1 patient underwent a secondary nerve release due to ulnar nerve symptoms. Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of elbow terror triad, application of a 3D printed guide plate to assist the placement of an external fixator can quickly and accurately locate the central axis of the elbow rotation, which promotes the early functional exercise of the patients to obtain a satisfactory functional prognosis.
