Preoperative simulated surgery on 3D model assists osteotomy feasibility verification and surgical guidance for patients with cubitus valgus/varus deformity: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: As the common delayed complication of supracondylar fractures in children, cubitus valgus/varus deformity might lead to pain and loss of motion of the elbow. The current corrective treatment might not be accurate enough and even contribute to postoperative deformity. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical value of preoperative simulated surgery on 3D model-assisted osteotomy feasibility verification and surgical guidance for cubitus valgus/varus deformity. METHODS: Seventeen patients were selected from January 2017 and November 2019. Deformities were analyzed from imaging data and 3D models and corrected after the simulated operations. The radiographic evaluation comprised osseous union, carrying angle, and anteversion angle of the distal humerus. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system. RESULTS: All patients underwent the operation successfully and had no postoperative deformity. The carrying angle was significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.001). The anteversion angle of the distal humerus did not change significantly (P > 0.05). The HSS score rose after surgery (P < 0.001). The function of the elbow joint was excellent in seven cases and good in ten cases. CONCLUSION: Simulated surgery on 3D model plays an important role in osteotomy plan and surgical guidance, contributing to good surgical efficacy.