Virtual preoperative planning and 3D printing are valuable for the management of complex orthopaedic trauma

Purpose:The technology of 3D printing(3DP)exists for quite some time,but it is still not utilized to its full potential in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology,such as underestimating its worth in virtual preoperative planning(VPP)and designing various models,templates,and jigs.It can be a significant tool in the reduction of surgical morbidity and better surgical outcome avoiding various associated complications.Methods:An observational study was done including 91 cases of complex trauma presented in our institution requiring operative fixation.Virtual preoperative planning and 3DP were used in the management of these fractures.Surgeons managing these cases were given a set of questionnaire and responses were recorded and assessed as a quantitative data.Results:In all the 91 cases,where VPP and 3DP were used,the surgeons were satisfied with the outcome which they got intraoperatively and postoperatively.Surgical time was reduced,with a better outcome.Three dimensional models of complex fracture were helpful in understanding the anatomy and sketching out the plans for optimum reduction and fixation.The average score of the questionnaire was 4.5,out of a maximum of 6,suggesting a positive role of 3DP in orthopaedics.Conclusion:3DP is useful in complex trauma management by accurate reduction and placement of implants,reduction of surgical time and with a better outcome.Although there is an initial learning curve to understand and execute the VPP and 3DP,these become easier with practice and experience.

A Galeazzi-variant type fracture-dislocation in adults

Objective：Fracture of either radius or ulna with a dislocation either at the proximal or distal radioulnar joint （DRUJ） is not a common injury and is inherently unstable.Here we report a case series,with both-bone forearm fractures associated with dislocation of DRUJ,as a Galeazzi-variant type fracture-dislocation,and try to analyze this injury pattern.Methods：The study was based on 6 patients having Galeazzi-variant type fracture-dislocation of different age （20 to 45 years）.All fractures were closed type.Two fractures involved the same level and three fractures were at different levels of radius and ulna shaft.After thorough examination and investigations they were treated with limited contact dynamic compression plate without additional fixation for DRUJ.Results：All cases were followed up for 24 weeks.The maximum incidence occurred in age group between 31 and 40 years.All the fractures of both radius and ulna were united in average time of 12 weeks.Range of motion of wrist and elbow,supination and pronation at final follow-up were normal.There was no subsequent re-subluxation or dislocation of the DRUJ in any of the cases.Conclusion：Galeazzi variant in adult is a new undescribed pattern of forearm with wrist injury.Stable open reduction and internal fixation of both-bone forearm fractures is mandatory,followed by 3 to 4 weeks of immobilization in a cast for the healing of disrupted DRUJ.

Periprosthetic subtrochanteric femoral fracture in a megaprosthesis of the knee

We report a rare case of periprosthetic posttraumatic fracture of subtrochanteric region of femur alter a megaprosthesis of the knee, done for resistant non- union of distal femur with secondary osteoarthrosis in a 51 years old man. Treatment with a locking femoral plate was able to achieve primary union with a good result.