New approach for predictive measurement of knee cartilage defects with three-dimensional printing based on CT-arthrography: A feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to prove the possibility of creating an exact module of knee cartilage defects using 3D printing.


METHODS
Defects were created in cadaver knees. CT-arthrography and 3-Tesla MRI were performed. Based on CTA images a model of the cartilage was created using 3D printing. Defect-sizes in the imaging modalities were compared.


RESULTS
Estimated lesion area in 3D model differed approximately 5% comparing to the defect sizes in knees. MRI underestimated the defect on average of 12%, whereas the CTA overestimated the defect about 3%.


CONCLUSIONS
We proved the feasibility of creating an accurate module of knee cartilage.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
R
R
Michalik
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
S
S
Schrading
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
T
T
Dirrichs
Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
A
A
Prescher
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
C K
CK
Kuhl
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
M
M
Tingart
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
B
B
Rath
3D-Printing; Articular knee cartilage; CT-Arthrography; Cartilage defect; Preoperative planning