Patient-specific Three-dimensional Bone Model for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthopedic Diseases of the Hip: Opinions of Orthopedic Surgeons on New Medical Technology

PURPOSE: To examine the perceptions and opinions of orthopedic surgeons on new medical technology for patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) bone models in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases related to the hip joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 doctors who were trained in orthopedic surgery or were current residents in the Republic of Korea were surveyed via questionnaires. Eight questions were included regarding the utility and current issues in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic disease using a customized 3D bone model made from s patient's computed tomography (CT) image. In addition to the questionnaire, the simple plain radiography and 3D CT image of the patient and 3D printed models of two actual patients were presented for comparison. RESULTS: An average of 92.7% of the orthopedic surgeons answered “very much” or “yes” to questions regarding the effectiveness of diagnosis, treatment, education, and simulation of surgery using the patient-specific 3D bone model. To the question, “Do you think you must have medical insurance to provide better medical services by using a new patient-specific 3D bone model medical technology for simulated surgery?” 93.3% of orthopedic surgeons answered either “very much” or “yes”. CONCLUSION: Patient-specific 3D bone models of new medical technology can provide breakthrough support in the diagnosis, treatment, and education of orthopedic diseases in the field of hip joints. Therefore, it seems that efforts should be made to change governmental policy for coverage of patient-specific 3D bone modeling.