A cadaveric study on the accuracy of an individualized guiding template to assist placement of scaphoid screws using computer-assisted design and three-dimensional printing technique
GUO Yang
TIAN Guang-lei
TIAN Wen
LI Zhong-zhe
SUN Li-ying
ZHONG Wen-yao
Abstract：Objective To investigate the feasibility of establishing an individualized guide template for scaphoid screw insertion using computer-assisted design and three dimensional ( 3D ) printing technique, and to evaluate the accuracy and safety of this technique. Methods Eight adult wrist specimens were scanned by computed tomography ( CT ) scanner. All CT volume data of 8 wrists were imported into the VxWork software and surface scaphoid models were reconstructed. We selected a proper tunnel of optimal screw guide wire position and then created a template matching to the wrist. A screw guiding template was created by 3D printing technique. Postoperative CT scans were obtained to evaluate the accuracy of screw position and insertion depth. Results A grading scheme was used to assess the drilling accuracy: Grade 1 < 1 mm deviation, Grade 2 < 2 mm deviation. Scaphoid drilling was conformed to be completely accurate ( Grade 1 ) in 6 specimens, highly accurate ( Grade 2 ) in 2 specimens. No specimen required a repeated drilling of the scaphoid. All the screws were in the scaphoid, whose positions met the clinical requirements. Conclusions This study has shown that a proper tunnel for scaphoid screw insertion can be created bases on CT scanning. Scahpoid screw insertion guided by a 3D printing template has been proved to be accurate and easy to operate and this technique could be a new alternative to conventional technique.
Keywords：Scaphoid boneFracturesboneSurgerycomputer-assistedPrintingthree-dimensionalFracture fixationinternalCarpal joints
Publication Date：2017-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 270-273 )