Additive manufacturing in the development of an intramedullary nail: study of clinical case

The additive manufacturing is currently an indispensable tool in different areas. Its application in orthopaedic area has been essential in the development of surgical procedures, visualization of anatomical structures and especially in the new implants design to improve the conditions for patients’ treatment. The present study considered different techniques of additive manufacturing applied in design, diagnosis and planning of a locked intramedullary nail used in the femoral diaphysis fractures (type A). This study was complemented with the follow-up of a surgery case to the femoral diaphysis fracture. It was performed a biomechanical analysis using the finite element method and 3D models through a printing in full colour, allowing to obtain the colour levels related to von Mises stresses. All the studied techniques have proved to be important, since they allow a three-dimensional view of real dimensions of the implant by helping health professionals to do a more accurate and safe surgical planning.