BACKGROUND

3D printing is a fast-growing technology in orthopaedic surgery. The utility of 3D-printed orthopaedic implants has yet to be fully defined. This biomechanical study examines the capabilities of one such implant in an ankle fracture model.

METHODS

One-third tubular plates were 3D-printed using CFR-PLA (carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid) and PC (polycarbonate). Samples and stainless-steel controls were used to fix Weber B Sawbones fibula fracture models and analyzed with lateral bending, torsional, and torsional failure mechanical testing.

RESULTS

Stainless-steel one-third tubular plates were shown to have superior mechanical properties than the 3D-printed plates overall in valgus bending and with torsional failure. However, CFR-PLA 3D-printed plates demonstrated greater strength in torsion testing..

CONCLUSION

The differences in mechanical properties between stainless-steel one-third tubular plates and 3D-printed plates, while statistically significant, are likely not clinically significant. 3D-printed implants could be used as a viable alternative in ankle fracture fixation in the future.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first biomechanical study performed on 3D-printed plates in an ankle fracture model. Given the increasing use of 3D printing, the findings described here could establish a basis for future areas of research.