A Novel Method for Precision Evaluation of 3D Printing‐based System for Pelvic Tumor Resection and Reconstruction

Abstract Background: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed osteotomy guides and personalized 3D-printed prostheses have been used in pelvic tumor resection and reconstruction, and achieved good results. However, there is a lack of methods to evaluate its precision. This study aimed to establish a novel method to evaluate the precision of osteotomy and prosthesis installation using our 3D printing-based system in pelvic tumor surgeries. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients with malignant pelvic tumors who underwent surgery with 3D-printed osteotomy guides and personalized prostheses between April 2014 and June 2024. Data regarding the preoperative design plans and postoperative follow-up imaging were collected. Additionally, 3D reconstruction was conducted to compare and measure. The deviation was categorized into “Excellent” (±5 mm), “Good” (±10 mm), and “Fair” (±10 mm and above). The deviation distance of osteotomy was defined as the absolute value of the difference between the actual safe distance and preoperatively planned safety margin. The deviation distance of acetabular center was defined as the straight-line distance between preoperatively planned acetabular center and the reconstructed acetabular center. Results: The osteotomy satisfaction rate was 87.5%, with 21 cases classified as “Excellent” and 3 as “Good”. The average deviation distance of osteotomy using 3D-printed guides was 2.74 ± 2.36mm (range, 0.13–9.29 mm). The average deviation distance of the acetabular centers reconstructed with 3D-printed personalized prostheses was 5.57 ± 3.71mm (range, 0.91–15.94 mm). Conclusions: The study provides a theoretical basis for the postoperative precision evaluation of 3D printing‐based system for pelvic tumor resection and reconstruction.