Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2016, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (13): 1918-1924.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.13.013

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Digital orthopedics technology in preoperative planning of implant fixation for intertrochanteric fracture

Miao Xin, Deng Gao-rong, Ling Qiang   

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Received:2016-02-24 Online:2016-03-25 Published:2016-03-25
  • Contact: Ling Qiang, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
  • About author:Miao Xin, Studying for master’s degree, Physician, Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Supported by:

    the Jiangxi Science and Technology Support Program, No. 20112BBG70072

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric fractures can be generally treated by surgical treatment. Along with deep research on the biomechanics of the proximal femur, proximal femoral locking compression plate appears recently. The locking plate fixation is not strong, can reduce the local stress shielding, and maintain optimal system stability, but fracture fixation failure often occurs due to the inappropriate choice of nail plate. 
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of digital orthopedics technology in preoperative planning in locking plate fixation for intertrochanteric fracture.
METHODS: Forty intertrochanteric fracture patients receiving CT tomography femur upper segment were selected and divided into two groups. In the conventional group, after reading X-ray films and CT images, patients received locking plate fixation. In the computer planning group, before repair, fracture model was established using Mimics software to segment fracture fragments, simulate operation reset and 3-matic software was used to reconstruct locking plate and screws. Locking plate was assembled with Mimics to obtain the best plate position, best screw angle and screw length. Proximal femoral locking compression plate fixation was performed. Fluoroscopy times, operation time, blood loss and fracture healing time were compared in both groups.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional models of proximal femur were reconstructed, and a series of data were obtained. The optimal position of each plate was obtained from each patient. The screw length was predicted, so preoperative operation planning was realized. All patients were followed up for 6-20 months. Fluoroscopy times, operation time, and blood loss were significantly less in the computer planning group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in fracture healing time was detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that digital orthopedics technology used in intertrochanteric fracture can simulate the locking plate position, determine the screw placement angle and length of the screw in advance, and reduce fluoroscopy times, operation time, blood loss and screw position misalignment.