2018 Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 132-136
This study was performed to evaluate the usage of full-scale three-dimensional (3D) bone models in vascularized fibula graft surgery. Vascularized fibula inlay grafting with a 3D bone model was performed for 3 patients, including a 43-year-old woman with pseudoarthrosis of the tibia, a 56-year-old man with pseudoarthrosis of the tibia, and a 43-year-old man with an open comminuted metacarpal fracture. A standard triangulated language (STL) file for each bone model was constructed from CT data using commercially available computer software. After inputting the STL file, a 3D printer was used to print a 3D bone model made of polylactic acid resin. The model was sterilized with ethylene oxide and used during surgery. For each patient, transplantation of the vascularized fibula graft was facilitated by the 3D bone model and the operating time was reduced. With conventional surgery, several attempts are generally required to fit the vascularized fibula graft into the graft bed. However, repeated fitting trials increase the risk of injury to the fibula graft, especially to the periosteum. Our method employing a 3D bone model was able to minimize injury to the graft.
