Comparison of the Efficacy of 3D Printed Guide Plate-Assisted Sacroiliac Screw Internal Fixation and Manual Screw Placement in the Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Complex Injuries

Abstract

Objective: This study compares the clinical efficacy of 3D printed guide plate-assisted sacroiliac screw fixation with manual screw placement for complex sacroiliac joint injuries.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients with sacroiliac joint injuries treated at North China Medical Health Group Fengfeng General Hospital from July 2022 to June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: the 3D printed guide plate group (17 cases) and the manual screw placement group (18 cases). We compared intraoperative fluoroscopy times, surgical duration, screw placement time, blood loss, postoperative complications, time to full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, and hip range of motion (ROM) one month postoperatively. Screw positions were evaluated using the Gras classification, while pelvic function was assessed with the Majeed score, fracture reduction quality with the Matta score, and clinical efficacy with the visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: No postoperative wound infections or nerve injuries occurred. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 22 months (average 14.69±4.45 months). Significant differences were noted between groups in fluoroscopy times, surgical duration, screw placement time, blood loss, time to full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, hip ROM, VAS scores, and Majeed scores (P < 0.05). Matta score evaluations also showed significant differences (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found at the last follow-up regarding hip ROM, VAS scores, or Majeed scores (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: 3D printed guide plates enhance sacroiliac screw placement accuracy, reduce operative time and blood loss, and promote quicker recovery, making this technique advantageous in clinical practice.