Orthopaedics — Shoulder

Complex Shoulder Case

3D-printed glenoid centre guide for severely damaged osteoporotic bone

3D-printed glenoid centre guide

The challenge

Malalignment of the glenoid centre pin guide is one of the challenges in shoulder arthroplasty. Cases like this one, with severely damaged osteoporotic bone, are comparatively more challenging.

The value of a 3D guide

A 3D-printed glenoid centre guide brings immense value when planning these cases. Planning on CT alone without a 3D model may compromise clarity and accuracy.

Pre-op planning with a 3D model presents the case situation better in terms of bone erosion and angulation tilts. It can also be used as a decision-making tool where an augment may be required for a particular case, and it optimises the drill length and entry-point location for the glenoid centre pin.

Beyond the operating room

These guides, along with the scapula model, can also be considered a fine training tool for better understanding of cases preoperatively.

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