Novel 3D Reconstruction Modeling Contributes to Development of Orthopaedic Surgical Interventions

Radiology plays important roles in orthopaedic surgery. Although various conventional radiological assessments including digital X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) and the three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstruction images have been widely developed and utilized for preoperative assessment and planning, there are limitations. For example, despite the advances in 3D digital reconstruction images, the 3D structure, anatomy and damaged situation are still being inspected in a separate and flat manner (i.e. paper, film, etc.). Therefore the requirement of real 3D models for bone and joint has emerged clinically. In the present study, a CAD based 3D visualization system and a rapid prototyping (RP) technique were used to fabricate 3D physical models of highly difficult fractures and severe deformities in skeleton including severe pelvic/acetabular fractures, comminuted proximal humeral fractures, talar/ankle joint fractures, scoliolosis and progressive deformities in extremity. Applications and benefits of the biomedical visualization-based orthopaedic surgical strategies were elucidated.