🔍 Key Findings
- 3D-printed patient-specific guides (PSGs) significantly improved accuracy of drill hole entry (p < 0.001) and exit (p = 0.044) compared to commercial aiming devices (AD).
- Zero joint penetrations occurred with PSGs, whereas 3 of 7 AD-guided screws were predicted to penetrate the joint (p = 0.19).
- Variance in exit point and drill angle was significantly lower in PSG group, suggesting more consistent results.
- One PSG case failed due to improper guide seating, but this was corrected with improved soft tissue clearance.
- PSGs enabled safer trajectories despite use by novice surgeons, emphasizing their value in less experienced hands.
- Drill holes placed with ADs deviated more cranially and distally, increasing the risk of articular violation.
- Use of PSGs allowed for tighter clustering of drill trajectories, especially in the cranial–caudal axis.
- Subjective feedback favored PSGs for ease of use and ergonomic design, despite requiring slightly larger incisions.
