Using 3-Dimensional Modeling to Customize Titanium Plates for Repair of Chest Wall Trauma.

We demonstrate successful use of a digitally rendered model to preoperatively customize standard titanium rib fixation plates. Compared with intraoperative contouring of rib fixation plates, we believe that this approach facilitates repair of complex rib fractures, saving time in the operating room. We believe this technique can improve the accuracy of reductions, increase the ease and efficiency of these procedures, and afford benefits in reducing surgical stress on patients who have already suffered significant trauma.