🔍 Key Findings
- 3D-printed patient-specific guides (PSGs) improved tibial cut alignment in the frontal plane compared to generic guides (mean error 1.03° vs 2.41°, p = .036).
- All tibial cuts using PSGs were within 3° of target alignment, while 2/8 of the generic group were outliers.
- PSGs significantly improved sagittal alignment of both distal (p = .018) and cranial (p = .043) femoral cuts.
- No significant difference was found in varus-valgus femoral alignment or closing angle between PSG and generic guide groups.
- Tibial sagittal slope alignment was not significantly different between groups.
- PSGs provided better intraoperative usability, including improved visibility, no loosening, and ease of use.
- Femoral sizing and component fit were equivalent between PSGs and generic guides, ensuring proper prosthesis alignment.
- PSGs may offer training advantages for novice surgeons, especially in anatomically complex or deformed joints.
