Comparing the effectiveness of 3D printing technology in the treatment of clavicular fracture between surgeons with different experiences

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the use of 3D printing technology to treat clavicular fractures by skilled and inexperienced surgeons. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with clavicle fractures (from February 2017 to May 2021) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided randomly into four groups: group A: Patients underwent low-dose CT scans, and 3D models were printed before inexperienced surgeons performed surgeries; group B: Standard-dose CT were taken, and 3D models were printed before experienced surgeons performed surgeries; group C and D: Standard-dose CT scans were taken in both groups, and the operations were performed differently by inexperienced (group C) and experienced (group D) surgeons. This study documented the operation time, blood loss, incision length, and the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, fracture site, and fracture type (P value: 0.23–0.88). Group A showed shorter incision length and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy times than groups C and D (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in blood loss volume, incision length, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times between group A and group B (P value range: 0.11–0.28). The operation time of group A was no longer than those of groups C and D (P value range: 0.11 and 0.24). CONCLUSION: The surgical effectiveness of inexperienced surgeons who applied 3D printing technology before clavicular fracture operation was better than those of inexperienced and experienced surgeons who did not use preoperative 3D printing technology.