| Objective? To explore the application value of 3D printing model-assisted planning in retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of AO/OTA type C distal femoral fractures.Methods? A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 130 patients with AO/OTA type C distal femoral fractures admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to May 2025. The patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical protocols: the traditional group (65 cases) treated with conventional plate internal fixation, and the 3D group (65 cases) treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing under the guidance of 3D printing model-assisted planning. Intraoperative and postoperative indicators, surgical complications, and clinical efficacy were recorded and compared between the two groups. Additionally, serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scores, range of motion (ROM), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were measured and compared before and after surgery.Results? Compared with the traditional group, the 3D group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss and fewer fluoroscopy times, along with shorter operation time, time to postoperative weight-bearing and radiographic union time (P＜0.05). On the 1st day after surgery, the serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the 3D group were significantly lower than those in the traditional group (P＜0.05). At 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the 3D group achieved significantly higher HSS knee scores, ROM and LDFA values than the traditional group (P＜0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups at 6 months after surgery (P＞0.05). The excellent and good rate of surgical efficacy in the 3D group was significantly higher than that in the traditional group at 6 months postoperatively (P＜0.05).Conclusion?The application of 3D printing model-assisted planning in retrograde intramedullary nailing is conducive to optimizing intraoperative and postoperative indicators, correcting lower limb alignment and restoring knee joint function, which serves as one of the feasible therapeutic options for patients with AO/OTA type C distal femoral fractures. |
