IMPLEMENTING 3D PRINTING-ASSISTED PREOPERATIVE PLANNING IN ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA: AN INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND EVIDENCE-INFORMED FRAMEWORK

Background: Complex periarticular fractures require accurate three-dimensional understanding for surgical planning. Patient-specific 3D-printed models may support fracture visualization, simulation, implant selection and plate pre-contouring, but routine implementation requires a standardized technical and clinical workflow. Methods: This study was designed as an institutional needs assessment and evidence-informed implementation framework at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Aggregate, non-identifiable service statistics provided by the Hospital Planning and General Affairs Department were used to characterize local clinical need. A targeted narrative review of selected peer-reviewed literature was used to contextualize the proposed 3D printing workflow; the literature component was not intended as a systematic review or meta-analysis. No patient-level comparative analysis was performed. Results: Departmental statistics recorded 100 surgically treated periarticular-fracture cases from the department's establishment through 2021; by 2024, the cumulative number had reached 157, an increase of 57 cases (57.0%) relative to the 2021 cumulative count. According to the available institutional summary, approximately 26% of cases were described as complex, comminuted and/or intra-articular fractures. Published reviews and clinical studies suggest potential reductions in operative time, blood loss and fluoroscopy use with 3D printing-assisted planning in selected orthopedic trauma settings. Based on the identified institutional gaps and published evidence, a proposed multidisciplinary pathway was developed for future implementation, spanning CT acquisition, DICOM processing, segmentation, printing, dimensional validation, preoperative simulation, sterilization when required and prospective quality monitoring. Conclusion: The documented growth in the cumulative periarticular-fracture surgical caseload indicates a potential institutional need for enhanced preoperative planning. Published evidence supports the rationale for evaluating 3D printing in selected orthopedic trauma cases; however, its effectiveness and feasibility have not yet been evaluated at our institution. The proposed workflow provides a framework for controlled implementation and prospective assessment.