Corrective Osteotomy with 3D Print Modeling

• What is corrective osteotomy?

• A corrrective osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a bone that has healed improperly is cut and realigned to allow healing in a more optimal position.

• What causes a fracture to heal improperly?

• Fractures of the finger bones and forearm bones can heal in positions resulting in significant deformity. These healed fractures are said to be malunited. Finger bone fracture that heal improperly can cause overlap or scissoring of the fingers when making a fist and can result in a loss of motion. Fractures of the distal radius can heal improperly resulting in painfiul deformity and loss of motion in the wrist and forearm. Fractures that heal with loss alignment are frequently due to the unstable nature of the fracture imposed by injury forces and muscular forces.

• Why does the bone need to be "rebroken"?

• Malunited fractures in the hand, wrist and forearm can result in significant physical deformity, pain and loss of function. Some fractures particularly those that occur in the growing child are capable of significant remodeling over time and can naturally correct some mild deformities.

• What is 3D print modeling?

• 3D print modeling is a new method that takes advantages of modern technology known as 3D printing. This technology involves creating an anatomically identical plastic model of the injured skelton. The unjured opposite limb can be used as the antomical normal and aid in planning the corrective surgery.

• How are the models made?

• A CT scan of both injured limbs is obtained. This digital information is used to create CAD (computer assisted design) renderings of the injured and uninjured skeleton. A mirror image rendering of the uninjured opposite bone is also created. These rendering are then digitized and output to a 3D printer that generates the plastic models.

• What is the advantage of 3D Print modeling?

• 3D print modeling allows surgical planning not possible with current radiographic technology. It allows the surgeon to view the deformity and compare to the normal anatomy in its natural form. The proposed surgical bone cuts and realignment can be auditioned on the models or CT renderings with comparison to the anatomic normal. In some cases, saw guides can be fabricated that will help the surgeon in the accurate placement of the bone cut during surgery.

• Who pays the cost of 3D Print modeling?

• The cost of 3D print modeling is the responsibility of the patient and is typically billed as part of the facility charge for the procedure.  Insurance carriers may cover all or a part of the cost of the procedure.