Application of 3-dimensional printing technology in the treatment of postoperative nonunion of femoral neck fracture: A case report

Nonunion of the femoral neck represents the main complication following fractures at this location. Few studies have documented the application of 3-dimensional printing technology for the surgical treatment of postoperative nonunion of femoral neck fractures. The present manuscript describes a case of a particular 3-dimensional printing technology method for designing a custom-made guide plate for revision surgery. A 46-year-old man suffered a nonunion of the femoral neck following an internal fracture fixation. Using 3-dimensional printing technology, we preoperatively printed a femur model and a custom-made guide plate. Using the model, we performed a simulated operation before the surgery, and the guide plate was used for accurate osteotomy during the operation. With this method, we achieved the desired results: the fracture healed, the operation time was shortened, and there was no femoral head necrosis. Our case suggests that 3-dimensional printing technology provides an effective aid in the treatment of patients with nonunion following a femoral neck fracture and recommends 3-dimensional printing technology for such cases.