Clinical feasibility and application value of computer virtual reduction combined with 3D printing technique in complex acetabular fractures

This study investigated the clinical feasibility and application value of computer virtual reduction combined with three-dimensional (3D) printing technique in patients with complex acetabular fracture. Ninety-six patients diagnosed with complex acetabular fracture in the Orthopedics Department in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Luohe Medical College from January 2016 to June 2017 were selected and randomly divided into the routine operation group (n=48) and the 3D model group (n=48) according to the admission number of the patients. In the 3D model group, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed preoperatively, and the model was made using the virtual technique and 3D printing technique. The surgical scheme was designed according to the model. Patients in the routine operation group were diagnosed with the conventional CT scan without using the computer virtual technique and 3D printing technique. During operation, the operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding and times of intraoperative fluoroscopy were recorded in both groups. After operation, the incidence rate of such complications as inflammatory response, iatrogenic neurological symptoms and loss of reduction were recorded in both groups. Moreover, the reduction quality of acetabular fracture was evaluated according to the Matta imaging score at 3 days after operation, and the hip joint function was evaluated based on the Hariss score at 6 months after operation. In the 3D model group, the operation time was significantly shorter than that in the control group, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and times of intraoperative fluoroscopy were significantly less than those in the routine operation group, and the incidence rate of postoperative complications was obviously lower than that in the routine operation group (P<0.05). In conclusion, computer virtual reduction combined with the 3D printing technique can significantly reduce the operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, times of intraoperative fluoroscopy and incidence rate of postoperative complications without adverse effects on the reduction quality of acetabular fracture and hip joint function of patients, which has a higher clinical application value and greater social significance.