Objective To identify the feasibility of 3D-printed template guiding technique on the treatment of the proximal humeral meta-diaphyseal fracture combined with MIPO technique. Methods A total of 6 fresh frozen cadaver samples of adult upper extremity were used. The first thin-slice CT scans was performed to make 3D-printed model of the full length of the humerus, which was used as a reference to pre-contour the long PHILOS plate. Then the plate was fixed temporarily on the 3D printing model. The second thin-slice CT scans of the humerus model and the plate was performed, and the corresponding 3D-printed templates were produced based on the configuration of the proximal and distal plate and the adjacent irregular bone surface. After the proximal meta-diaphyseal fracture was established on the cadaver of the humerus, the 3D-printed templates were fixed at the corresponding position on the both ends of the humerus, and then the pre-contoured plate was placed by MIPO technique. The templates were tightly attached to both of the plate and in the end of the bone, which resulted in guiding the segments to be reduced after the screw fixation. Finally, the X-ray and the third CT scans were taken to measure the displacement and alignment at the fracture site. Results 3D-printed templates were just fixed on the corresponding location almostly, except 2 cases with slightly displaced on the spherical surface of the great tubercle. All the fractures were reduced satisfactorily, resulted in laterally displacement of (6.05±1.13) mm, malalignment of (8.90±2.10)° in AP view and (7.27±1.91)°in lateral view, and rotation of (7.90±1.90)°, respectively. Conclusion In the cadaver study, 3D-printed templates guiding plating by MIPO technology could be used with satisfied reduction on the treatment of the proximal humeral meta-diaphyseal fracture. Moreover, further research might be anticipated to improve the clinical outcome. Objective To identify the feasibility of 3D-printed template guiding technique on the treatment of the proximal humeral meta-diaphyseal fracture combined with MIPO technique. Methods A total of 6 fresh frozen cadaver samples of adult upper extremity were used. The first thin-slice CT scans was performed to make 3D-printed model of the full length of the humerus, which was used as a reference to pre-contour the long PHILOS plate. Then the plate was fixed temporarily on the 3D printing model. The second thin-slice CT scans of the humerus model and the plate was performed, and the corresponding 3D-printed templates were produced based on the configuration of the proximal and distal plate and the adjacent irregular bone surface. After the proximal meta-diaphyseal fracture was established on the cadaver of the humerus, the 3D-printed templates were fixed at the corresponding position on the both ends of the humerus, and then the pre-contoured plate was placed by MIPO technique. The templates were tightly attached to both of the plate and in the end of the bone, which resulted in guiding the segments to be reduced after the screw fixation. Finally, the X-ray and the third CT scans were taken to measure the displacement and alignment at the fracture site. Results 3D-printed templates were just fixed on the corresponding location almostly, except 2 cases with slightly displaced on the spherical surface of the great tubercle. All the fractures were reduced satisfactorily, resulted in laterally displacement of (6.05±1.13) mm, malalignment of (8.90±2.10)° in AP view and (7.27±1.91)°in lateral view, and rotation of (7.90±1.90)°, respectively. Conclusion In the cadaver study, 3D-printed templates guiding plating by MIPO technology could be used with satisfied reduction on the treatment of the proximal humeral meta-diaphyseal fracture. Moreover, further research might be anticipated to improve the clinical outcome. |