Three-Dimensional Correction of Complex Ankle Deformities With Computer-Assisted Planning and Patient-Specific Surgical Guides

[Three-dimensional analysis of posttraumatic tibial shaft malunion and correction based on the healthy, contralateral leg]

OBJECTIVE

Three-dimensional (3D) analysis and implementation with patient-specific cutting and repositioning blocks enables correction of complex tibial malunions. Correction can be planned using the contralateral side or a statistical model. Patient-specific 3D-printed cutting guide blocks enable a precise osteotomy and reduction guide blocks help to achieve anatomical reduction. Depending on the type and extent of correction, fibula osteotomy may need to be considered to achieve the desired reduction.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

a) Poor soft tissue (flap surgery, adherent skin in field of operation); b) infection; c) peripheral artery disease (stage III and IV classified according to Fontaine, critical transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure, TcPO2); d) general contraindication to surgery.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Before surgery, a 3D model of both lower legs is created based on computed tomography (CT) scans. Analysis of the deformity based on the contralateral side in a 3D computer model (CASPA) and planning of the osteotomy. If the contralateral side also has a deformity, a statistical model can be used. Printing of patient-specific guides made of nylon (PA2200) for the osteotomy and reduction. Surgery is performed in supine position, antibiotic prophylaxis, thigh tourniquet, which is used as needed. Ventrolateral approach to the tibia. Attachment of the patient-specific osteotomy guide, performance of the osteotomy. Reduction using the guide. Fibula osteotomy through a lateral approach is performed if the reduction of the tibia is hindered by the fibula. This can be performed freehand or with patient-specific guides. Wound closure.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Compartment monitoring. Passive mobilization of the ankle in the cast as soon as the wound healing has progressed. Partial weightbearing in a lower leg cast for at least 6-12 weeks, depending on the routinely performed radiographic assessment 6 weeks postoperatively. Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin until cast removal.

RESULTS

Patient-specific correction of malunions are generally good. This could be confirmed for distal tibial corrections. For tibial shaft deformities, the final results are still pending. Preliminary results, however, show good feasibility with a pseudarthrosis rate of 10% without postoperative infection.

Automatic 3D Postoperative Evaluation of Complex Orthopaedic Interventions

In clinical practice, image-based postoperative evaluation is still performed without state-of-the-art computer methods, as these are not sufficiently automated. In this study we propose a fully automatic 3D postoperative outcome quantification method for the relevant steps of orthopaedic interventions on the example of Periacetabular Osteotomy of Ganz (PAO). A typical orthopaedic intervention involves cutting bone, anatomy manipulation and repositioning as well as implant placement. Our method includes a segmentation based deep learning approach for detection and quantification of the cuts. Furthermore, anatomy repositioning was quantified through a multi-step registration method, which entailed a coarse alignment of the pre- and postoperative CT images followed by a fine fragment alignment of the repositioned anatomy. Implant (i.e., screw) position was identified by 3D Hough transform for line detection combined with fast voxel traversal based on ray tracing. The feasibility of our approach was investigated on 27 interventions and compared against manually performed 3D outcome evaluations. The results show that our method can accurately assess the quality and accuracy of the surgery. Our evaluation of the fragment repositioning showed a cumulative error for the coarse and fine alignment of 2.1 mm. Our evaluation of screw placement accuracy resulted in a distance error of 1.32 mm for screw head location and an angular deviation of 1.1° for screw axis. As a next step we will explore generalisation capabilities by applying the method to different interventions.

Correction of ankle varus deformity using patient-specific dome-shaped osteotomy guides designed on weight-bearing CT: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Dome-shaped supramalleolar osteotomies are a well-established treatment option for correcting ankle deformity. However, the procedure remains technically demanding and is limited by a two-dimensional (2D) radiographic planning of a three-dimensional (3D) deformity. Therefore, we implemented a weight-bearing CT (WBCT) to plan a 3D deformity correction using patient-specific guides.

METHODS

A 3D-guided dome-shaped supramalleolar osteotomy was performed to correct ankle varus deformity in a case series of five patients with a mean age of 53.8 years (range 47-58). WBCT images were obtained to generate 3D models, which enabled a deformity correction using patient-specific guides. These technical steps are outlined and associated with a retrospective analysis of the clinical outcome using the EFAS score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and visual analog pain scale (VAS). Radiographic assessment was performed using the tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), tibiotalar angle (TTS), talar tilt angle (TTA), hindfoot angle (HA), tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) and tibial rotation angle (TRA).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 40.8 months (range 8-65) and all patients showed improvements in the EFAS score, FAOS and VAS (p < 0.05). A 3-month postoperative WBCT confirmed healing of the osteotomy site and radiographic improvement of the TAS, TTS and HA (p < 0.05), but the TTA and TRA did not change significantly (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dome-shaped supramalleolar osteotomies using 3D-printed guides designed on WBCT are a valuable option in correcting ankle varus deformity and have the potential to mitigate the technical drawbacks of free-hand osteotomies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 5 case series.

Additive Manufacturing of 3D Anatomical Models-Review of Processes, Materials and Applications

The methods of additive manufacturing of anatomical models are widely used in medical practice, including physician support, education and planning of treatment procedures. The aim of the review was to identify the area of additive manufacturing and the application of anatomical models, imitating both soft and hard tissue. The paper outlines the most commonly used methodologies, from medical imaging to obtaining a functional physical model. The materials used to imitate specific organs and tissues, and the related technologies used to produce, them are included. The study covers publications in English, published by the end of 2022 and included in the Scopus. The obtained results emphasise the growing popularity of the issue, especially in the areas related to the attempt to imitate soft tissues with the use of low-cost 3D printing and plastic casting techniques.

Improved Accuracy of Coronal Alignment Can Be Attained Using 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Instrumentation for Knee Osteotomies: A Systematic Review of Level III and IV Studies

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy and precision of postoperative coronal plane alignment using 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in the setting of proximal tibial or distal femoral osteotomies.

METHODS

A systematic review evaluating the accuracy of 3D-printed PSI for coronal plane alignment correcting knee osteotomies was performed. The primary outcomes were accuracy of coronal plane limb alignment correction and number of correction outliers. Secondary variables were duration of surgery, number of intraoperative fluoroscopic images, complications, cost, and clinical outcomes (as applicable).

RESULTS

Ninety-three studies were identified, and 14 were included in the final analysis. Overall, mean postoperative deviation from target correction ranged from 0.3° to 1° for all studies using hip-knee angle measurements and 2.3% to 4.9% for all studies using weight-bearing line measurements. The incidence of correction outliers was assessed in 8 total studies and ranged from 0 to 25% (total n = 10 knees) of patients corrected with 3D-printed PSI. Osteotomies performed with 3D-printed cutting guides or wedges demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (P < .05) and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopic images (P < .05) than control groups in four case control studies.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing distal femoral osteotomy or proximal tibial osteotomy procedures with 3D-printed patient-specific cutting guides and wedges had highly accurate coronal plane alignment with a low rate of outliers. Patients treated with 3D printed PSI also demonstrated significantly shorter operative times and decreased intraoperative fluoroscopy when compared to conventional techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Intra-articular opening wedge osteotomy for varus ankle arthritis with computer-assisted planning and patient-specific surgical guides: a retrospective case series

Background

Computer-assisted preoperative planning, combined with PSI has become an effective technique for treating complex limb deformities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel technique in corrective osteotomy for intra-articular varus ankle deformities associated with osteoarthritis and ankle instability.

Methods

Nineteen patients with intra-articular varus ankle arthritis were reviewed between April 2017 and June 2019, including ten men and nine women with a mean age of 58.3 ± 9.9 years (range, 38 to 76 years). All patients underwent intra-articular opening wedge osteotomy assisted by 3D virtual planning and PSI. Weight-bearing radiographs were used to assess the radiographic results, including TAS angle, TT angle, TMM angle, TC angle, TLS angle, opening-wedge angle, and wedge height. Functional outcomes were assessed by the AOFAS score, VAS score, and ROM of the ankle.

Results

The average follow-up time was 32.2 ± 9.0 months (range, 22 to 47 months). The average union time was 4.4 ± 0.9 months (range, 3.0 to 6.5 months). The TAS angle significantly changed from 84.1 ± 4.6° preoperatively to 87.7 ± 3.1° at the 1-year follow-up and 86.2 ± 2.6° at the latest follow-up. Similarly, the TT angle, TMM angle and TC angle changed significantly at the 1-year follow-up compared with the preoperative assessment and remained stable until the last follow-up. However, the TLS was not corrected significantly. The postoperative obtained opening-wedge angle, and wedge height showed no significant change with preoperative planning. The overall complication rate was 15.8%. The mean VAS score improved from 5.3 ± 0.6 to 2.7 ± 0.7. The mean AOFAS score improved from 56.2 ± 7.6 to 80.6 ± 4.6. However, the ROM showed no significant change.

Conclusions

Accurate correction and satisfactory functional recovery were attained with computer-assisted planning and PSI in the corrective osteotomy of intra-articular varus ankle deformities.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05437-z.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Field of Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery during 2002–2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of research articles and research trends in computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) by conducting bibliometric analyses.

Methods

CAOS-related research articles published in international journals from 2002 to 2021 were collected using the PubMed database and analyzed using the bibliometric method. Their publication year, journal name, corresponding author's country name, and the number of citations of all collected articles were noted. Contents of the articles were analyzed to evaluate the time point and anatomical site at which the digital technique was applied. Further, the 20-year period was divided into two halves of 10 years each to analyze the research trends.

Results

A total of 639 CAOS-related articles were identified. An average of 32.0 CAOS-related articles were published annually, with an average of 20.6 and 43.3 published in the first half and second half, respectively. Of all articles, 47.6% were published in the top 10 journals, and 81.2% were written in the top 10 countries. The total numbers of citations were 11.7 and 6.3 in the first and second halves, respectively, but the average annual number of citations was higher in the second half than in the first one. Articles on application of digital techniques during surgery were 62.3% and those on pre-surgery application were 36.9%. Further, articles in the knee (39.0%), spine (28.5%), and hip and pelvis (21.5%) fields accounted for 89.0% of the total publications. But the increase in publications in the said period was highest in the fields of the hand and wrist (+1,300.0%), ankle (+466.7%), and shoulder (+366.7%).

Conclusions

Over the last 20 years, the publication of CAOS-related research articles in international journals has grown steadily. Although the knee, spine, hip, and pelvis fields account for most CAOS-related research, research in new fields is also increasing. This study analyzed the types of articles and trends in CAOS-related research and provided useful information for future research in the field of CAOS.

The Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Planned Bone Tumor Resection Using Patient-Specific Instrument

Introduction

Although treatment of bone tumors is multidisciplinary, the complete surgical resection of bone tumors remains the mainstay of the treatment. Patient-specific instruments (PSI) are personalized tools, which help the surgeon to perform tumor resections accurately. The aim of this study is to evaluate how precise the planned resection can be intraoperatively executed with the use of PSI.

Patients and Methods

Eleven patients who underwent a resection of bone tumor using PSI were analyzed. A preoperative model of the tumor and the affected bone was created from acquired CT scans and MRI. After defining the resection planes, PSI were produced by a 3D printer. The resected piece of bone was scanned and imported in the original planning model enabling the assessment of the distance between the planned resection plane and the realized osteotomy in every direction.

Results

In overall, the combined error of an osteotomy ranges from 0.74 ± 0.96 mm to 3.60 ± 2.46 mm. The average errors observed in situations with one resection plane (simple osteotomy) are lower than in complex curved osteotomies with multiple planes, in which we also found a greater variance.

Conclusion

3D planned bone tumor resections using PSI show promising results for precise resection at different anatomical regions. Even if the found error range in this series is slightly higher than reported, PSI remain a valuable tool to facilitate complex bone tumor resections.

Recent advances in the surgical treatment of malunions in hand and forearm using three-dimensional planning and patient-specific instruments

Malunions of the forearm and hand cause significant disability. Moreover, intraarticular deformities may contribute to early onset osteoarthritis. Such conditions require precise surgical correction in order to improve functional outcomes and prevent early or late complications. The purpose of this study was to describe the technical advantages of accurate anatomical reconstruction using 3D guided osteotomies and patient specific instruments (PSI) in multiple joints of the hand and forearm. Acquisition of three-dimensional (3D) datasets and surgical implementation of PSI was performed in a series of patients between December 2014 and July 2017. Patients had intra- or extra-articular malunions of the forearm, radiocarpal joint, trapeziometacarpal joint, or proximal interphalangeal joint. A previously described 3D surface model that incorporates CT data was used for segmentation (Mimics®, Materialise™, Belgium). For all the cases, CT scans of both forearms were acquired to use the contralateral uninjured side as the anatomic reconstruction template. Computer-assisted assessment of the deformity, the preoperative plan, and the design of PSI are described. Outcomes were determined by evaluating step-off correction, fusion, changes in range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Six patients were included in the study; all achieved fusion. Improved clinical outcomes including pain reduction, better ROM and grip strength were obtained. Complete correction of intraarticular step-off was achieved in all cases with intraarticular malunions. 3D guided osteotomies are an established surgical treatment option for malunions of the hand and forearm. 3D analysis is a helpful diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about the underlying deformity. PSI can be developed and used for surgical correction with maximal accuracy for both intraarticular step-off and angular deformity.

Reconstruction of Severe Ankle and Pilon Fracture Malunions

Malunion of ankle and pilon fractures has significant detrimental effect on function and development of post-trauma osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the incidence of malunion has been reported to be increasing. It is important to assess the ankle for congruency, because this determines the level where correction will occur. A plethora of techniques are available, with low-level evidence supporting each, and therefore it is important that the treating surgeon is fully prepared and comfortable in the techniques they are to use. Supplementary procedures are common and should be expected. This article provides a review of current methods of treatment and their outcomes.

Malpositioning of patient-specific instruments within the possible degrees of freedom in high-tibial osteotomy has no considerable influence on mechanical leg axis correction

PURPOSE

Patient-specific instruments (PSIs) are helpful tools in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in patients with symptomatic varus malalignment of the mechanical leg axis. However, the precision of HTO can decrease with malpositioned PSI. This study investigates the influence of malpositioned PSI on axis correction, osteotomy, and implant placement.

METHODS

With a mean three-dimensional (3D) model (0.8° varus), PSI-navigated HTOs were computer simulated. Two different guide designs, one with stabilising hooks and one without, were used. By adding rotational and translational offsets of different degrees, wrong placements of PSI were simulated. After 5° valgisation of the postoperative mechanical axis, the distance between joint-plane and osteotomy screws, respectively, were measured. The same simulations were performed in a patient with varus deformity (7.4° varus).

RESULTS

In the mean 3D model, the postoperative mechanical axis was within 3.9°-4.5° valgus with mean value of 4.1° ± 0.1° (correct axis 4.2° valgus). Surgical failure concerning osteotomy occurred in 17 of 76 HTOs. Significantly safer screw placement was observed using PSI with stabilising hooks (p = 0.012). In the case of the 3D model with 7.4° varus deformity, the postoperative mechanical axis was within 3.2°-3.9° valgus with mean value of 3.8° ± 0.2° (correct axis 3.9° valgus). Surgical failure concerning osteotomy occurred in 3 of 38 HTOs. Screws were always within the safety distance.

CONCLUSION

The clinical relevance of the presented study is that malpositioning of a PSI within the possible degrees of freedom does not have a relevant influence on the axis correction. The most vulnerable plane for surgical failure is the sagittal plane, wherefore the treating surgeon should verify correct guide placement to prevent surgical failure, particularly in this plane.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Accuracy of 3D-planned patient specific instrumentation in high tibial open wedge valgisation osteotomy

Purpose

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective treatment option in early osteoarthritis. However, preoperative planning and surgical execution can be challenging. Computer assisted three-dimensional (3D) planning and patient-specific instruments (PSI) might be helpful tools in achieving successful outcomes. Goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of HTO using PSI.

Methods

All medial open wedge PSI-HTO between 2014 and 2016 were reviewed. Using pre- and postoperative radiographs, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were determined two-dimensionally (2D) to calculate 2D accuracy. Using postoperative CT-data, 3D surface models of the tibias were reconstructed and superimposed with the planning to calculate 3D accuracy.

Results

Twenty-three patients could be included. A mean correction of HKA of 9.7° ± 2.6° was planned. Postoperative assessment of HKA correction showed a mean correction of 8.9° ± 3.2°, resulting in a 2D accuracy for HKA correction of 0.8° ± 1.5°. The postoperative PTS changed by 1.7° ± 2.2°. 3D accuracy showed average 3D rotational differences of − 0.1° ± 2.3° in coronal plane, − 0.2° ± 2.3° in transversal plane, and 1.3° ± 2.1° in sagittal plane, whereby 3D translational differences were calculated as 0.1 mm ± 1.3 mm in coronal plane, − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in transversal plane, and − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in sagittal plane.

Conclusion

The use of PSI in HTO results in accurate correction of mechanical leg axis. In contrast to the known problem of unintended PTS changes in conventional HTO, just slight changes of PTS could be observed using PSI. The use of PSI in HTO might be preferable to obtain desired correction of HKA and to maintain PTS.

Templating of Syndesmotic Ankle Lesions by Use of 3D Analysis in Weightbearing and Nonweightbearing CT

BACKGROUND:

Diagnosis and operative treatment of syndesmotic ankle injuries remain challenging due to the limitations of 2-dimensional imaging. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a reproducible method to quantify the displacement of a syndesmotic lesion based on 3-dimensional computed imaging techniques.

METHODS:

Eighteen patients with a unilateral syndesmotic lesion were included. Bilateral imaging was performed with weightbearing cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in case of a high ankle sprain (n = 12) and by nonweightbearing CT in case of a fracture-associated syndesmotic lesion (n = 6). The healthy ankle was used as a template after being mirrored and superimposed on the contralateral ankle. The following anatomical landmarks of the distal fibula were computed: the most lateral aspect of the lateral malleolus and the anterior and posterior tubercle. The change in position of these landmarks relative to the stationary, healthy fibula was used to quantify the syndesmotic lesion. A control group of 7 studies was used.

RESULTS:

The main clinical relevant findings demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the mean mediolateral diastasis of both the sprained (mean [SD], 1.6 [1.0] mm) and the fracture group (mean [SD], 1.7 [0.6] mm) compared to the control group ( P < .001). The mean external rotation was statistically different when comparing the sprained (mean [SD], 4.7 [2.7] degrees) and the fracture group (mean [SD], 7.0 [7.1] degrees) to the control group ( P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

This study evaluated an effective method for quantifying a unilateral syndesmotic lesion of the ankle. Applications in clinical practice could improve diagnostic accuracy and potentially aid in preoperative planning by determining which correction needs to be achieved to have the fibula correctly reduced in the syndesmosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.