Precision of 3D Printing Custom Bone Plates for Femoral Torsion in Canine Cadavers

Introduction: New methods of surgical planning for correction of limb deformities involve the use of computer simulation or 3D printed models. There is a lack of information about how precisely the computer simulation relates to the actual surgical correction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how precise a computer simulation can be translated to canine cadavers using a femoral torsion model with the help of 3D printed plates.

Materials and Methods: Five canine cadavers were included. CT scan and bone model of each femur were obtained. A four-hole bone plate was designed to custom fit the diaphysis and to provide 10, 20, and 30 degrees of internal and external femoral torsion.

These plates and a 0 degree with osteotomy guide were 3D printed and surgically placed. A post-plate placement CT was performed after placement of each plate for femoral torsion analysis.

Results: Of the 10, 20, and 30 degrees of intended torsion, torsion achieved at the femoral condyles was 8.1 ± 1.8, 17 ± 1.9 and 26.7 ± 2.5 degrees, respectively in the canine cadavers. There were no differences between internal or external torsion for any of the achieved angles. The surgical precision was 81, 85, and 89% for the 10, 20, and 30 degrees intended torsion, respectively.

Discussion/Conclusion: Computer simulated femoral torsion translate to a good cadaveric torsion. The cadaveric torsion is more precise as higher is the torsion angle. The final cadaveric torsion was never higher than the intended torsion.

Acknowledgements: This study was funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022