Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39429061›Full record

ArticleOrthopaedic surgery2025

Applying 3D-Printed Porous Ti6Al4V Prostheses to Repair Osteomyelitis-Induced Partial Bone Defects of Lower Limbs: Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Outcomes.

Bingchuan Liu, Qizhao Tan, Zhengguang Wang, Guojin Hou, Caimei Wang, Yun Tian

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Orthopaedic surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. [Effectiveness of three-dimensional-printed microporous titanium prostheses combined with flap implantation in treatment of large segmental infectious bone defects in limbs].Zhongguo xiu fu chong jian wai ke za zhi = Zhongguo xiufu chongjian waike zazhi = Chinese journal of reparative and reconstructive surgery · 2025
    Article
  6. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Bingchuan LiuDepartment of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Qizhao TanDepartment of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Zhengguang WangDepartment of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Guojin HouDepartment of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Caimei WangBeijing AKEC Medical Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.
Yun TianDepartment of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2310-6054

Funding

Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Adminitrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park Z181100001718195Key Clinical Projects of Peking University Third Hospital BYSYZD2022031National Natural Science Foundation of China 82172065Peking University Medicine Sailing Program for Young Scholars' Scientific & Technological Innovation BMU2023YFJHPY015
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThe clinical management of partial bone defects in lower limbs, particularly those resulting from osteomyelitis, remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of 3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V prostheses in addressing osteomyelitis-induced partial bone defects.

methodsWe established a comprehensive protocol for utilizing 3D-printed prostheses for bone defect repair, encompassing 3D simulation of prosthesis implantation and internal fixation, finite element analysis (FEA), and clinical implementation. Mimics software facilitated simulation of fixation patterns and screw lengths. FEA modeled bone defects in the distal metaphyseal femur and distal diaphyseal tibia to assess changes in stress conduction pre- and post-prosthesis implantation. The clinical study involved eight patients (average age: 56.3 years) with an average defect length of 14.9 cm. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using X-rays and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

resultsFEA demonstrated that the implanted prostheses effectively shared stress and reduced the load on residual bone in both models, thus lowering the risk of fractures under external forces. The average follow-up period was 24.5 months, with patients initiating weight-bearing activities on average 7.8 days post-surgery. Serial postoperative X-rays demonstrated long-term stability of the prostheses, with progressive bone regeneration around and integration with the prostheses. While two patients experienced infection recurrence requiring prosthesis removal and debridement, the remaining six showed significant improvement in LEFS scores, increasing from 31.5 preoperatively to 61.0 at the last follow-up.

conclusions3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V prostheses effectively restore anatomical integrity and optimize stress conduction in lower limbs, resulting in substantial functional recovery. This innovative approach shows promise for wider clinical adoption and warrants further investigation in medical practice.

Indexed as

OsteomyelitisPrinting, Three-DimensionalProstheses and ImplantsProsthesis DesignProsthesis ImplantationTibiaTitaniumAdultAgedAlloysFemaleFemurFinite Element AnalysisHumansMaleMiddle AgedAlloysTitaniumtitanium alloy (TiAl6V4)3D printing technologyclinical studyfinite element analysisosseointegrationpartial bone defect

Identifiers

PMID39429061
PMCPMC11735359

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.