ArticleAmerican journal of translational research2026
Comparison of functional recovery between 3D-printed automatic reset splints and traditional fluoroscopy-assisted reduction external fixators in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.
Article in American journal of translational research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectivesTibial shaft fractures are common yet challenging to manage, with external fixation being a standard approach. This study aimed to compare functional recovery between two reduction and fixation techniques: traditional fluoroscopy-assisted external fixators and novel 3D-printed automatic reset splints.
methodsA retrospective analysis included 193 patients with open tibial shaft fractures treated between January 2021 and December 2024. Participants were divided into a traditional fluoroscopy-assisted (TF-A) group (n=104) and a 3D-printed automatic reset splint (3D-P) group (n=89). Reduction effectiveness was assessed using radiographic measurements (X, α, Y, Z, β) preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3months, and 6 months postoperatively. Healing status (callus formation and healing time), treatment efficacy, complication rates, knee function (HSS score), and pain intensity (VAS score) were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up.
resultsThe 3D-P group demonstrated significantly better reduction across most deformity parameters (e.g., 1-week Y: 2.43±0.78 mm vs. 2.76±0.86 mm, P=0.006), shorter callus formation time (16.84±3.12 vs. 18.49±4.28 days, P=0.002), and faster fracture healing (72.97±10.93 vs. 78.26±15.33 days, P=0.006). Excellent efficacy rates were higher (69.66% vs. 51.92%, P=0.012), and total complications lower (20.22% vs. 33.65%, P=0.037). The 3D-P group also had superior knee function (HSS: 86.62±6.44 vs. 84.33±5.39, P=0.008) and lower pain VAS scores at all postoperative timepoints (e.g., 1 week: 4.93±0.86 vs. 5.37±1.02, P=0.002).
conclusionsThree-dimensional printed automatic reset splints offer significant advantages over traditional fluoroscopy-assisted fixation in improving reduction accuracy, accelerating healing, reducing complications, and enhancing functional recovery in tibial shaft fractures.
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