Integration of computer-aided pre-operative planning and 3D printing technology for comminuted fracture bone surgery

This paper describes a combination of computer assisted surgery with 3D printing technology to enhance surgeons performing operative procedure correctly. A 3D medical imaging system for the pre-operative planning and simulation for virtual orthopedic surgery was developed. We focus on 3D printing of the fractured bone because 3D digital models are still not clear enough to reveal the detailed situation of the fracture. We also study the accuracy of fabricated fracture bone and the assembly and disassembly of 3D printed parts.