| | DECEMBER 20208T he outcomes for deformity cor-rection in the knee foot and ankle injuries have drastically improved with the advent of 3D print-ing technology. The technology offers a realistic option for even the most complicated deformity surgeries. 3D Printed models have been proving to be a boon not only for patients but also for the surgeons providing them with better and precise pre-operative plan-ning, thereby saving time and correct-ing the deformity with accuracy.More often it has been seen in cas-es where patients undergoing frac-tures in the foot and ankle usually have deformed structure post treat-ment. Such corrections may not have any severe impact on their quality of life, but once the deformity occurs, it seems to be an irreversible damage. Now with the revolutionizing technol-ogy, the deformities can be correct-ed with high accuracy and precision. Generating a pre-model of even the most complex structures, the sur-geons can better analyze the anatomy through surgical simulation and plan their surgeries for better outcomes.As the complete anatomy of the foot and ankle can be deeply stud-ied, irrespective of the presence of patient, surgeons get ample time to predict the angle of deformity to be corrected with high accuracy. Being cost effective, such technologies are gaining importance gradually across the country.3D Printed models are highly use-ful for treating complex conditions like bow legs, knee deformities, de-formities in the foot and ankle due to improper or misaligned joining of the bones, claw toes, plantar fasciitis among many other orthopedic com-plications which can be treated with high accuracy. With less time con-sumption, the hospital stay is also reduced and the minimally invasive procedures used ensures complete safety and quicker recovery with bet-ter functional outcomes. What is 3D Printing?Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a manufacturing method in which ob-jects are made by fusing or deposit-ing materials--such as plastic, metal, ceramics, powders, liquids, or even living cells--in layers to produce a 3D object. 3D printing is expected to rev-olutionize medicine and other fields.There are about two dozen 3D printing processes, which use vary-ing printer technologies, speeds, and resolutions, and hundreds of materi-als. These technologies can build a 3D 3D PRINTED MODELS- HIGHLY PRECISE DEFORMITY CORRECTION TREATMENT METHODDr. Pradeep Moonot, Orthopedic Surgeon & Pediatrist, Mumbai Knee Foot and Ankle ClinicVANTAGE POINT
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