Outcomes of Pre-operative Planning using 3D Printed Models Versus Radiographic Assessment in Surgical Treatment of Proximal Tibia Fracture: A Comparative Study.

Background: 3D printing is a latest technique used in planning fracture management which helps to plan accurate surgery leading to better results than traditional management of fractures. Materials and Methods: In this randomised-controlled trial, 30 patients between 18 and 65 years of age having proximal tibia fractures AO type 41B and 41C were included. They were divided into two groups, 15 cases each of 3D model group and traditional surgery group. The 3D model group were assessed pre-operatively with 3D printed model and pre-operative planning was done using the model, whilst the traditional surgery group of patients were assessed pre-operatively with radiological assessment like X-rays and 3D Reconstruction CT scan. Both groups were then subjected to standard surgical management. Operative time, blood loss, and number of intra-operative fluoroscopy were recorded. Through the follow-up, the recovery of patients was observed. Results: The functional outcomes of surgically treated tibial plateau fractures were assessed using HSS scores which was better in the 3D-Group than the traditional group. Operative time, blood loss, and number of intra-operative fluoroscopy were less in 3D model group than traditional group. The P value was highly significant in HSS scores, operative time, blood loss, and number of intra-operative fluoroscopy between 3D model group and traditional surgery group. Conclusion: This study showed that use of 3D printing pre-operatively gives better result than traditional surgery.