PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Fan, Minjie
AU  - Wang, Yinming
AU  - Pang, Haotian
AU  - Wang, Yiwei
AU  - Xu, Peng
AU  - Lou, Yue
AU  - Zheng, Pengfei
AU  - Tang, Kai
TI  - Application of three-dimensional printed navigation templates to correct lower limb deformities in children by the guided growth technique
AID  - 10.1136/wjps-2021-000349
DP  - 2022 May 01
TA  - World Journal of Pediatric Surgery
PG  - e000349
VI  - 5
IP  - 3
4099  - http://wjps.bmj.com/content/5/3/e000349.short
4100  - http://wjps.bmj.com/content/5/3/e000349.full
SO  - World Jnl Ped Surgery2022 May 01; 5
AB  - Objective Currently, individualized navigation templates are rarely applied in pediatric orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to explore the potential of navigation templates obtained using computer-aided design and three-dimensional (3D) printing to correct lower limb deformities in children by the guided growth technique.Methods We prospectively studied 45 children with leg length discrepancy (LLD) or lower limb angular deformities, who underwent guided growth surgery involving 8-plate. In total, 21 and 24 children were included in the navigation template (group A) group and in the traditional surgery (group B) group, respectively. Mimics software was used for designing and printing navigation templates. The operation time, X-ray radiation exposure, damage to cartilage, and postoperative complications were recorded.Results The mean operation time in groups A and B were 20.78 and 28.39 min, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with group B, the intraoperative exposure of X-rays in group A was reduced by 25% on average. After 9–24 months of follow-up, the deformities were corrected in both groups. No significant differences in the treatment effect were noted between the groups, and no complications occurred.Conclusions Using the individualized navigation template in the guided growth technique made the surgical procedure convenient and simple to perform. In addition, the operation time and intraoperative exposure to X-rays were reduced. We consider that 3D printed navigation templates can facilitate the accurate completion of corrective surgeries for lower limb deformities in children, which is worthy of promotion and application.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. Not applicable.