title: The Use of 3D Printing Technology in the Ilizarov Method Treatment: Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Significant developments in additive manufacturing technology have occurred in recent years. 3D printing techniques can also be helpful in the Ilizarov method treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 3D printing technology in the Ilizarov method treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical models of bones used to plan the spatial design of Ilizarov external fixator were manufactured by FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) spatial printing technology. Bone models were made of poly(L-lactide) (PLA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Printed 3D models of both lower leg bones allow doctors to prepare in advance for the Ilizarov method treatment: detailed consideration of the spatial configuration of the external fixation, experimental assembly of the Ilizarov external fixator onto the physical models of bones prior to surgery, planning individual osteotomy level and Kirschner wires introduction sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Printed 3D bone models allow for accurate preparation of the Ilizarov apparatus spatially matched to the size of the bones and prospective bone distortion. Employment of the printed 3D models of bone will enable a more precise design of the apparatus, which is especially useful in multiplanar distortion and in the treatment of axis distortion and limb length discrepancy in young children. In the course of planning the use of physical models manufactured with additive technology, attention should be paid to certain technical aspects of model printing that have an impact on the accuracy of mapping of the geometry and physical properties of the model. 3D printing technique is very useful in 3D planning of the Ilizarov method treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics and Theory of Mechanisms, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland.
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burzyńska
authors.affiliation: Department and Clinic of Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Morasiewicz
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics and Theory of Mechanisms, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland.
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Filipiak
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: 3D printing; medicine; the Ilizarov method