Three-Dimensional Printing and Fracture Mapping in Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Three-dimensional printing and fracture mapping technology is gaining popularity for preoperative planning of fractures. The aim of this meta-analysis is to further understand for the effects of 3D printing and fracture mapping on intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and functional recovery on pelvic and acetabular fractures. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles according to established criteria. A total of 17 studies were included in this study, of which 3 were RCTs, with a total of 889 patients, including 458 patients treated by traditional open reduction and internal fixation methods and 431 patients treated using 3D printing strategies. It was revealed that three-dimensional printing and fracture mapping reduced intraoperative surgical duration (RoM 0.74; 95% CI; 0.66–0.83; I(2) = 93%), and blood loss (RoM 0.71; 95% CI; 0.63–0.81; I(2) = 71%). as compared to traditional surgical approaches. In addition, there was significantly lower exposure to intraoperative imaging (RoM 0.36; 95% CI; 0.17–0.76; I(2) = 99%), significantly lower postoperative complications (OR 0.42; 95% CI; 0.22–0.78; I(2) = 9%) and significantly higher excellent/good reduction (OR 1.53; 95% CI; 1.08–2.17; I(2) = 0%) in the three-dimensional printing and fracture mapping group. Further stratification results with only prospective studies showed similar trends. Three-dimensional printing and fracture mapping technology has potential in enhancing treatment of complex fractures by improving surgical related factors and functional outcomes and therefore could be considered as a viable tool for future clinical applications.