Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (13): 2051-2057.doi: 10.12307/2023.280

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Feasibility of three-dimensional printing technology combined with computer-aided design in total knee arthroplasty for severe knee osteoarthritis

Wu Di1, Si Lina2, Wu Lizhu3, Wang Jianhua1, Luo Jinwei1, Chang Qiankun1, Lyu Yongming1, Du Yuanliang1   

  1. 1Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China; 2Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China; 3Chengde Central Hospital, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
  • Received:2021-08-20 Accepted:2022-04-24 Online:2023-05-08 Published:2022-08-12
  • Contact: Du Yuanliang, Master, Associate chief physician, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
  • About author:Wu Di, Master, Attending physician, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Chengde Science and Technology Research and Development Plan Program, No. 202109A03A (to WD)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are research reports on 3D printing technology and computer-aided design technology assisted total knee arthroplasty. It is not known whether their combination assisted total knee arthroplasty for treatment of knee osteoarthritis can achieve better results.  
OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of 3D printing technology combined with computer-aided design technology in total knee arthroplasty for severe knee osteoarthritis.
METHODS: Totally 93 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were prospectively selected in Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from October 2018 to October 2020. They were randomly divided into a control group (n=46) and an observation group (n=47), and underwent traditional artificial total knee arthroplasty and 3D printing technology + computer-aided design technology under the guidance of total knee arthroplasty. Pain degree, stress-related indicators, knee recovery rate, and complications were collected in both groups.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The pain visual analogue scale score of the observation group at 7 and 14 days after operation was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); the levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation products at 1 day after operation were lower in the observation group than those of the control group (P < 0.05); the level of hemoglobin was higher in the observation group than that of the control group (P < 0.05). (2) There was no significant difference between the two groups in hospital for special surgery knee score 6 months after operation (P > 0.05). The range of motion of the knee joint in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the angle of the lower limb force line was smaller in the observation group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). (3) At 6 months after operation, 1 case affected medial tibial plateau bone loss (total incidence of complications 2%) in the observation group. There were medial tibial plateau bone loss in 1 case, prosthesis loosening in 1 case, and incision infection in 2 cases (total incidence of complications 9%) in the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). (4) It is indicated that compared with traditional total knee arthroplasty, 3D printing technology combined with computer-aided design technology in total knee arthroplasty for severe knee osteoarthritis can relieve pain, improve knee function, and reduce stress response.

Key words: knee osteoarthritis, 3D printing technology, computer-aided design, total knee arthroplasty, D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation product, knee function

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