Application of Epoxy Resin to a Solid-Foam Pelvic Model: Creating a Dry-Erase Pelvis
The value of preoperative planning and templating has been well-established in fracture surgery. We have found that using 3-dimensional (3-D) models in preoperative planning aids in the understanding of anatomy, fracture-reduction techniques, and fixation methods, particularly in pelvic and acetabular fractures. To facilitate the correction of errors and reuse for future cases, we coat pelvic models with dry-erase epoxy resin. Fracture lines and planned implants are drawn onto the models with dry-erase markers. The creation of 3-D planning tools is useful in understanding the anatomy of pelvic and acetabular fractures.
Discussion
Understanding the complex anatomy of pelvic and acetabular fractures can be challenging. We use models in the teaching of anatomy, in the interpretation of radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, and in preoperative planning. Fracture lines are traced on the pelvic model based on radiographs and/or CT scans and then compared with 3-D reconstruction images and, eventually, with operative findings. The use of our dry-erase models allows for easy correction of mistakes and reuse for further cases.
We have found dry-erase pelvic models to be an invaluable tool for resident and fellow education. While conventional 2-dimensional planning is adequate for most long-bone and periarticular fractures, the creation of these 3-D planning tools is useful in understanding the anatomy and surgical treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures.
