A Clinical Study on the Application of Three-Dimensionally Printed Splints Combined with Finite Element Analysis in Paediatric Distal Radius Fractures

Cheng Xu Lefeng Wang Meng Zhang Xiao Li Kuang Li ^*

• Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China

Purpose: This single-centre randomised clinical trial assessed the clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction of 3D-printed splints optimised via finite element analysis (FEA) for paediatric distal radius fractures.Methods: This retrospective study included 56 children diagnosed with forearm fractures at our hospital between August 2023 and August 2024. Those who underwent traditional U-shaped forearm plaster immobilisation were compared with those who received a customised 3D-printed splint. FEA was conducted based on the biomechanical characteristics of the forearm; the splint structure was optimised based on the analysis results and created via 3D printing. Outcomes were evaluated using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale–Revised. Forearm function was evaluated using the Mayo Wrist Score and radiological outcomes. A power calculation was not performed due to the exploratory scope and resource limitations of this preliminary study.Results: The treatment costs significantly differed between the two groups (p=0.001). In the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, the hot and sweaty item showed no significant difference (p=0.089), whereas the last week’s comfort (p=0.001), first applied comfort (p=0.004), weight (p=0.001), itchiness (p=0.015), smell (p=0.003), and overall satisfaction items significantly differed between the two groups (p=0.004). A comparison of the Mayo Wrist Score showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups after external fixation removal (p=0.044). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the palmar tilt angle (p=0.196), ulnar deviation angle (p=0.460), or height of the radial styloid (p=0.111).Conclusion: Both 3D-printed splint and plaster cast fixation methods can effectively treat distal radial fractures in children, but the 3D-printed splint showed superior patient acceptance.