A new individually designed 3D printing guide plate-assisted internal fixator (INFIX) surgery for the treatment of pelvic fractures.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 3D-printed guide plate-assisted descending INFIX technology in the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 51 patients who underwent INFIX surgery for pelvic ring fractures at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between January 2023 and December 2024. Based on the use of 3D-printed guide plates, the patients were divided into two groups: conventional group ( = 28) and guide plate group ( = 23). The surgical parameters, including operative time, number of intraoperative fluoroscopic evaluations, intraoperative blood loss, and incision length, were recorded and compared between the two groups. The postoperative reduction accuracy was evaluated using the Matta imaging scoring system, while the Majeed scoring system was used to obtain functional outcomes in clinical follow-up. All the potential complications were identified and evaluated accordingly.

RESULTS

Both the patient groups were followed up for a period of 6–11 months, with an average of 8 months. The guide plate group demonstrated shorter surgery duration, fewer fluoroscopic assessments, and fewer guide needle trajectory adjustments compared to the conventional group ( < 0.05). The guide plate group exhibited a higher percentage of good Matta scores than the conventional group (17.39% vs. 14.29%).

CONCLUSIONS

The individualized 3D-printed navigation template significantly reduced the complexity of INFIX surgery, minimized intraoperative and postoperative complications, and enhanced clinical outcomes. The procedure can be safely performed in resource-limited medical facilities, making it feasible for junior surgeons with limited pelvic anatomy experience.