3D Printed Customized Guide in Ankle Arthrodesis

Ankle arthrodesis is the standard procedure for treating end-stage joint diseases. In order to improve the surgical outcome and reduce the operation time, 3D-printed customized guide plates are fabricated using patients' ankle DICM data of ankle via CT examinations. Two 2mm Kirschner wires are drilled with the help of the guides; the C-arm fluoroscopy is used to confirm the position of the wires before applying the cannulated screws for effective fixation.

In the past when there were no customized guides, the surgeons would drill the Kirschner wire according to his/her previous experience and then use C-arm fluoroscopy to confirm whether the position of the wire is satisfactory; if not, repeated procedure will be performed. This would lead to an increase in the duration of surgery and intra-operative radiation, which is detrimental to both the surgeon and the patient. This problem is well solved by applying the 3D-printed customized guides.

The application procedure for the customized guide plates: the model of the ankle joint is established according to the patient's CT scan data to prepare the customized guide plate, then sterilize them for future use. Apply routine surgical treatment to the ankle joint surface, reset the fusion joint to the functional position, and drill two 2mm Kirschner wires with the guidance of the guide plate. If the locations of the fusion joint and the Kirschner wires are satisfactory under the C-arm fluoroscopy, drill the cannulated screws for final fixation.