The computational modelling and 3D technology are finding more and more applications in the medical field. Orthopedic surgery is one of the specialties that can benefit the most from this solution. Three case reports drawn from the experience of the authors’ Orthopedic Clinic are illustraded to highlight the benefits of applying this technology.

Drawing on the extensive experience gained within the authors’ Operating Unit, three cases regarding different body segments have been selected to prove the importance of 3D technology in preoperative planning and during the surgery. A sternal transplant by allograft from a cryopreserved cadaver, the realization of a custom made implant of the glenoid component in a two-stage revision of a reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and a case of revision on a hip prosthesis with acetabular bone loss (Paprosky 3B) treated with custom system. In all cases the surgery was planned using 3D processing software and models of the affected bone segments, printed by 3D printer, and based on CT scans of the patients. The surgical implant was managed with dedicated instruments.

The use of 3D technology can improve the results of orthopedic surgery in many ways: by optimizing the outcomes of the operation as it allows a preliminary study of the bone loss and an evalutation of feasibility of the surgery, it improves the precision of the positioning of the implant, especially in the context of severe deformity and bone loss, and it reduces the operating time; by improving surgeon training; by increasing patient involvement in decision making and informed consent.

3D technology, by offering targeted and customized solutions, is a valid tool to obtain the tailored care that every patient needs and deserves, also providing the surgeon with an important help in cases of great complexity.

Infections represent a devastating complication in orthopedic and traumatological surgery, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. An early intervention is essential, and it includes a radical surgical approach supported by targeted intravenous antimicrobial therapy. The availability of parenteral antibiotics at the site of infection is usually poor, so it is crucial to maximize local antibiotic concentration using local carriers. Our work aims to describe the uses of one of these systems, Stimulan®, for the management and prevention of infections at our Institution.

Analysing the reported uses of Stimulan®, we identified two major groups: bone substitute and carrier material for local antibiotic therapy. The first group includes its application as a filler of dead spaces within bone or soft tissues resulting from traumatic events or previous surgery. The second group comprehends the use of Stimulan® for the treatment of osteomyelitis, post-traumatic septic events, periprosthetic joint infections, arthroplasty revision surgery, prevention in open fractures, surgery of the diabetic foot, oncological surgery and for all those patients susceptible to a high risk of infection.

We used Stimulan® in several complex clinical situations: in PJIs, in DAPRI procedure and both during the first and the second stage of a 2-stage revision surgery; furthermore, we started to exploit this antibiotic carrier also in prophylaxis of surgical site infections, as it happens in open fractures, and when a surgical site remediation is required, like in osteomyelitis following ORIF. Stimulan® is an extremely versatile and polyhedric material, available in the form of beads or paste, and can be mixed to a very broad range of antibiotics to better adapt to different bacteria and their antibiograms, and to surgeon's needs. These properties make it a very useful adjuvant for the management of complex cases of infection, and for their prevention, as well.

Introduction and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-based pre-operative planning, integrated with intra-operative navigation could improve glenoid baseplate fixation and positioning by increasing screw length, reducing number of screws required to obtain fixation and increasing the use of augmented baseplate to gain the desired positioning. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) successfully restores shoulder function in different conditions. Glenoid baseplate fixation and positioning seem to be the most important factors influencing RSA survival. When scapular anatomy is distorted (primitive or secondary), optimal baseplate positioning and secure screw purchase can be challenging.

Introduction and Objective

Some periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) present history and radiographic aspect consistent with an atypical femoral fracture (AFF), fulfilling the criteria for AFF except that PFFs by themselves are excluded from the diagnosis of AFFs. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a single Institution series of PFFs if any of them could be considered a periprosthetic atypical femoral fracture (PAFF), and their prevalence.

Introduction and Objective

In recent years, along with the extending longevity of patients and the increase in their functional demands, the number of annually performed RSA and the incidence of complications are also increasing. When a complication occurs, the patient often needs multiple surgeries to restore the function of the upper limb. Revision implants are directly responsible for the critical reduction of the bone stock, especially in the shoulder. The purpose of this paper is to report the use of allograft bone to restore the bone stock of the glenoid in the treatment of an aseptic glenoid component loosening after a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).