Enhancing Preoperative Planning: A Case Report on Three-Dimensional Printing Templating in Tibial Plateau Fracture

Introduction and Importance: Tibial plateau fractures are complex and difficult to treat. 3D printing technology has transformed orthopedic surgery by creating accurate models, surgical guides, and implants. The trend accelerated with a 30% annual increase in 3D-printed procedures. This case report aimed to report a 3D-printed tibial plateau fracture as preoperative preparation. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of right knee pain following a fall at home two weeks ago. Upon examination, bruising and swelling were noted in the right knee, although the swelling has subsided. From an X-ray and CT scan of the right knee, we found a fracture of the right tibial plateau Schatzker Type VI with a fracture of the right fibular neck. After making a 3D-printed model and a pre-contoured plate of the tibial plateau, the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to stabilize the fracture. Clinical Discussion: The study assesses the reliability of CT-based classification systems for tibial plateau fractures and highlights the potential for improvement in surgical treatment, particularly in preoperative planning and execution. 3D printing in orthopedic surgery enhances visualization, reduces time, and improves precision. However, challenges like high costs, time, and specialized training must be addressed. Conclusion: The application of 3D printing facilitates an improved understanding of complex anatomical structures and enhances surgical planning.