Assistance for polytrauma patients after serious accidents

For Michael, a day in the garden turned into a life-changing event. While picking apples, a rung on his ladder gave way, causing him to fall nearly 5 meters. The 58-year-old sustained severe internal injuries and a complex fracture of his right hip joint and pelvic bone. As a polytrauma patient, Michael was immediately transported by ambulance to a hospital specializing in trauma surgery.

Once stabilized, the hospital’s orthopedic team reached out to HumanX Medical, requesting a 3D model of Michael’s fractured pelvis to use as a preoperative training tool. A CT scan taken on the day of Michael’s accident provided the essential data for the model. With these high-resolution images, we were able to segment the intricate fracture patterns using advanced software, differentiating each bone fragment and joint structure. Within 72 hours, the completed model was delivered to the surgical team, ready for preoperative training.

To replicate the complexity of Michael’s injury, the 3D model was processed in two stages: segmentation and post-modeling. Using special software, the bone fragments were defined, highlighting critical features such as the orientation of each fragment in relation to the joint.

When it came to printing, HumanX Medical employed common FDM technology and PLA material, using specialized settings to mimic both the dense cortical bone and the spongy internal structure. These custom settings allowed the model to withstand simulated drilling and fixation without losing its structural integrity, giving the team a realistic hands-on training experience.

Equipped with the model, the surgeon and his team practiced their approach, focusing on a minimally invasive technique that required fewer incisions. This practice allowed them to refine their skills on a replica, ultimately saving time in the OR and improving the procedure’s efficiency. “The model helped us a lot in playing out and practicing our planned approach. It saved us a lot of time in the OR and gave everyone involved a great deal of confidence,” the surgeon shared.

HumanX Medical offers customized preoperative training models that can be delivered within days, enabling hospitals and surgical teams to prepare effectively. By providing models with real-life anatomical accuracy, HumanX empowers surgeons to optimize their strategies, enhancing patient outcomes while reducing operating and recovery times.

If you have an interesting case to share or would like to explore our training models, reach out to us at HumanX Medical. And if you're curious about more innovative applications of 3D modeling in surgery, subscribe for regular updates.

"The doctors used the model to explain to us very clearly what needed to be done and what the chances of success were. That helped us a lot to regain our confidence."

Michael K., Berlin