🔍 Key Findings
- Minimally invasive repair of acetabular fractures using precontoured plates on 3D-printed models is feasible and technically reproducible in dogs.
- All cadavers had fracture gaps <2 mm and step defects <1 mm, indicating accurate reduction.
- Sciatic nerve injury was minimal or absent in all cases, supporting potential neuroprotection from indirect approaches.
- Pelvic angulation was maintained <5°, confirming preservation of alignment post-reduction.
- Surgical time averaged ~46 minutes in cadavers for both approaches and repair.
- Clinical case showed good radiographic healing by 8 weeks and full union by 3 months, with early weight-bearing post-op.
- Use of locking screws improved reduction fidelity, particularly across a broad plate span.
- 3D printing accelerated surgical planning, though its necessity remains debated due to the availability and cost concerns.
