Novel Application of 3D Printing to Development of a Homemade Posterior-Stabilized Knee Cement Spacer

Elvis Chun-Sing Chui1 , Lawrence Chun-Man Lau2 , Xin Ye1 , Kyle Ka-Kwan Mak1 , Ka-Bon Kwok3 , Kwoon-Ho Chow1 , Ronald Man-Yeung Wong1 , Sheung-Wai Law1 , Michael TimYun Ong1, Louis Wing-Hoi Cheung1 and Patrick Shu-Hang Yung1

Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

^*Correspondance to: Kwok Ka-Bon 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3385

Abstract

Background: Articulating spacer facilitates reimplantation in two stage revision for knee periprosthetic infection. However, despite the prevalence of posterior stabilizing prostheses, most commercial prefabricated spacers are cruciate retaining with the problem of sagittal instability. This study reported the design and use of a novel intra-operatively molded, posterior stabilizing spacer developed in hospital setting using 3D printing technology. Method: The design began with analysis of our hospital joint registry to identify commonly used models and sizes. Features of the 4 most commonly used models were incorporated into the design of the new spacer using computer aided design software. Three sets of dimensions were identified to form the 3 sizes of the new spacer. The prototype was output with 3D printing for producing mold for intra-operative use. Case Report: A 68 years old lady was suffering from recurrent periprosthetic infection 6 months after right total knee arthroplasty. Two stage revisions were performed with the new spacer. Postoperative X-ray showed optimal fitting with the absence of posterior sagging. Conclusion: The 3D printing technology has enabled the domestic development of cement spacer with personalized design, minimal inventory and improved stability.

Keywords

Periprosthetic infection; Knee; Arthroplasty; Spacer; Computer aided design; 3D printing

Cite the article

Chun-Sing C, Ka-Bon K, Ka- Kwan M, Shu-Hang Y, Chun-Man. Novel Application of 3D Printing to Development of a Homemade Posterior-Stabilized Knee Cement Spacer. Clin Surg. 2021; 6: 3385..