Holding versus seeing pathology. Three-dimensional printing of the bony pelvis for preoperative planning of a complex pelvis fracture: A case report

Pelvic injuries are not uncommon. The complex anatomy of the pelvic bones, the complex pattern of injuries, associated important structures such as neurovascular bundles, and difficult access make the reduction and fixation of these fractures difficult. Often the surgical outcomes are not satisfactory. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging using computed tomography (CT) scan (3DCT) has been the mainstay of preoperative evaluation since the 1980s, however, even with these images it may be difficult to understand complex injury patterns. Preoperative printing of a 3D model using the same CT scan data allows surgeons to hold the pelvis in their hands and then plan appropriate treatment. We report one such case of complex pelvic injury and its management using the novel method of preoperative 3D model printing.