How 3D Modeling Streamlined the Treatment of a Complex Upper Arm Fracture

Case

A 36-year-old male patient presented with a severe fracture in his upper arm, resulting in significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. While most fractures of this type can typically be treated without surgery, the complexity of this particular injury—due to the severe displacement of bone fragments—necessitated surgical intervention. Traditional imaging methods revealed the extent of the damage but did not provide the detailed visual clarity needed for optimal surgical planning.

Solution

Given the complexity of the fracture, the surgical team decided to utilize a 3D printed model to enhance their understanding of the injury. The model offered a highly detailed, tangible representation of the bone fragments, allowing the team to assess the exact nature of the displacement and better strategize the surgical approach.

The use of the 3D model was instrumental in:

• Preoperative planning: Surgeons were able to visualize the fracture from multiple angles and thoroughly map out the best surgical route. The model helped the team identify critical areas for intervention and allowed them to finalize the procedure 40 minutes faster compared to relying solely on 2D scans.
• Improved patient communication: The model provided a clear and relatable visual for the patient, making it easier to explain the surgical procedure and set realistic expectations, which helped reduce anxiety and build trust.

Benefits of the 3D Model

In cases like this, the surgery typically involves the fixation of bone fragments using plates, screws, or pins—hardware that is often selected during the operation based on the surgeon's judgment. However, with the 3D model, the team was able to pre-select the precise equipment required, minimizing the guesswork and reducing the need for intraoperative adjustments.

The 3D model brought several key advantages to the procedure:

• Efficient resource utilization: By having a clear picture of the injury, the team was able to select the exact hardware in advance, which cut down on equipment costs and reduced the waste associated with unused surgical tools.
• Time-saving in the operating room: With a well-defined surgical plan and the appropriate equipment already on hand, the team saved an additional 20 minutes in the operating room. This time efficiency not only reduced the patient’s time under anesthesia but also allowed for a smoother, more streamlined procedure.
• Enhanced outcome for the patient: The precision enabled by the 3D model ultimately contributed to a positive outcome. The patient underwent a successful surgery with a well-executed fixation of the fractured bone, and the recovery process was expected to proceed without complications.

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