Fast-Track-Protocol for Optimization of Presurgical Planning in Acute Surgical Treatment of Acetabular Quadrilateral Plate Fractures Using 3D Printing Technology and Pre-Contoured Reconstruction Plates

Background. Preoperative planning and 3D printing can be used to treat pelvic bone fractures using pre-contoured surgical plates, in particular complex, comminuted fractures involving the acetabulum and quadrilateral plate. The aim of the study was to develop a Fast-Track-Protocol (fast track methodology) for creating 3D anatomical models, that could be used to shape surgical plates, using open-source software and budget 3D printers. Such a 'low-budget' approach would allow a hospital-based multidisciplinary team to carry out pre-surgical planning and treat complex pelvic fractures using 3D technology. Methods. The study included 5 patients with comminuted pelvic fractures. For each patient, CT (computed tomography) data were converted into two 3D models of the pelvis-injured side and mirrored model of the contralateral, uninjured hemipelvis. These models were 3D printed and used as templates to shape surgical plates. Results. A Fast-Track-Protocol was established and used to successfully treat 5 patients with complex, comminuted fractures of the pelvis. Conclusion. Using the Fast-Track-Protocol it was possible to prepare 3D printed models and patient-specific pre-contoured plates within 2 days of hospital admittance. Such an approach resulted in better surgical technique and shorter operative times, while incurring relatively low costs.