New approach for predictive measurement of knee cartilage defects with three-dimensional printing based on CT-arthrography: A feasibility study

R Michalik; S Schrading; T Dirrichs; A Prescher; C K Kuhl; M Tingart; B Rath

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2016.10.013

New approach for predictive measurement of knee cartilage defects with three-dimensional printing based on CT-arthrography: A feasibility study

J Orthop. 2016 Oct 31;14(1):95-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2016.10.013. eCollection 2017 Mar.

Authors

R Michalik¹, S Schrading², T Dirrichs², A Prescher³, C K Kuhl², M Tingart¹, B Rath¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
² Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
³ Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim was to prove the possibility of creating an exact module of knee cartilage defects using 3D printing.

Methods: Defects were created in cadaver knees. CT-arthrography and 3-Tesla MRI were performed. Based on CTA images a model of the cartilage was created using 3D printing. Defect-sizes in the imaging modalities were compared.

Results: Estimated lesion area in 3D model differed approximately 5% comparing to the defect sizes in knees. MRI underestimated the defect on average of 12%, whereas the CTA overestimated the defect about 3%.

Conclusions: We proved the feasibility of creating an accurate module of knee cartilage.

Keywords: 3D-Printing; Articular knee cartilage; CT-Arthrography; Cartilage defect; Preoperative planning.