THE FOURTH DIMENSION OF PAEDIATRIC DEFORMITY CORRECTION USING 3D TECHNOLOGY

3D technology is a type of digital prototyping technology based on a 3d information, processing and prototyping object and additive layering principle integrating with (CAD) computer aided designs. Because of the advantages of 3D information processing, planning and printing, it has become an important tool in Health-care, mainly, Dental, Neurosurgery and now Orthopaedics. We have used technology for planning and execution of correction of post traumatic, congenital and developmental deformities in children Indications: The indications for its use include: Genu valgum, genu Varum, Cubtus varus, Coxa vara, Coxa brava, Varus osteotomy for DDH and Perthes disease, Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy, Correction of distal radial malunion, forearm malunion and cubitus varus following malunited supracondylar fracture. Process: The steps for planning and execution of paediatric deformity correction using 3 D technology include Planning: The first step is the 3 D Planning of the osteotomy and designing and printing of the surgical guide. The CT Image files are processed by segmentation, smoothing and conversion to stereolithography (STL) format. The osteotomy is virtually executed, virtual implant is placed and drill holes for the implant and planes for the osteotomy defined. The deformity is recreated using the principles of reverse engineering and patient specific guide is designed. Practice: The steps of the surgery are carried out on the 3 D printed model. The levels of osteotomy, implant positions and final restoration of neck lengths are confirmed. Performance: Execution of the surgery with help of the patient specific surgical guide (PSSG). This guide is used during the surgery to do osteotomies and for implant placement. Advantages and Availability: The advantages of 3 D technology are as follows: Allows precise 3 D planning and predictable correction, Reduces OR time, blood loss and radiation, Is useful for teaching and training, The technology is accessible available and affordable now.