New approach for predictive measurement of knee cartilage defects with three-dimensional printing based on CT-arthrography: A feasibility study.

PURPOSE: The aim was to prove the possibility of creating an exact module of knee cartilage defects using 3D printing.

METHODS: Defects were created in cadaver knees. CT-arthrography and 3-Tesla MRI were performed. Based on CTA images a model of the cartilage was created using 3D printing. Defect-sizes in the imaging modalities were compared.

RESULTS: Estimated lesion area in 3D model differed approximately 5% comparing to the defect sizes in knees. MRI underestimated the defect on average of 12%, whereas the CTA overestimated the defect about 3%.

CONCLUSIONS: We proved the feasibility of creating an accurate module of knee cartilage.