Treatment of avulsion fracture of tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament with arthroscopy assisted by 3D printed patient-specific instrumentation

Objective To evaluate the effect of 3D printed patient-specific instrumentation on arthroscopic treatment of avulsion fracture of tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament.Methods A total of 60 patients who initially underwent arthroscopic surgery for avulsion fracture of tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from September 2017 to September 2023 were included. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into two groups:an experimental (3D printed guides) group and a control (posterior cruciate ligament guides) group. The duration of surgical operation and tourniquet usage were recorded. Their Lysholm knee scores and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were compared at postoperative 1 and 6 months.Results There were statistical differences between the two groups in the duration of surgical operation and tourniquet usage, as well as Lysholm knee score, and IKDC score at postoperative 1 and 6 months (P<0.05).Conclusions 3D printed patient-specific instrumentation assisted arthroscopy has better therapeutic effect for the treatment of avulsion fracture of tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament, compared with conventional posterior cruciate ligament guides assisted surgery.