BIOMECHANICAL AND REHABILITATION OUTCOMES OF 3D-PRINTED OSTEOTOMY GUIDE PLATE AND PAD IN HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY: IMPLICATIONS FOR LOWER LIMB ALIGNMENT AND SPORTS RECOVERY

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the clinical and biomechanical effects of a 3D-printed osteotomy guide plate and pad in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO), with a focus on lower limb alignment, rehabilitation outcomes, and implications for sports performance and recovery. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent HTO between October 2021 and September 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n = 36 per group). The control group underwent conventional HTO, while the observation group received preoperative 3D-printed osteotomy guide plates and customized pad implants to assist in the surgical procedure. Perioperative clinical outcomes, pain levels (VAS score), lower limb alignment parameters, tibial plateau posterior tilt angle (PTS), patellar height index (CDI), and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in preoperative VAS scores and postoperative ambulation time (P > 0.05). However, the operation time, number of fluoroscopies, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the 3D-printing group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of surgical complications, including incision infections, nonunion, plate fractures, loosening, and deep vein thrombosis, showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The application of 3D-printed osteotomy guide plates and pads in HTO offers minimally invasive benefits, reduced intraoperative trauma, and improved post-surgical recovery. The enhanced correction of lower limb alignment suggests potential advantages for sports medicine, rehabilitation, and functional recovery, particularly for athletes and active individuals requiring lower limb realignment surgeries. These findings support the integration of 3D-printing technology in orthopedic sports rehabilitation to enhance surgical precision, biomechanical stability, and postoperative recovery efficiency.