TITLE:
Application and Efficacy Evaluation of 3D Printed Splint in Manual Reduction and External Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures
AUTHORS:
Lei Xie, Huabao Ye, Shuheng Zhou, Huanwen Zou, Hu Huang, Zhao Xu, Xinjing Xie
KEYWORDS:
3D Printed Splint, Distal Radius Fracture, Manual Reduction, External Fixation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of personalized three-dimensional (3D) printed splints for external fixation after manual reduction of distal radius fractures. Methods: Clinical data of 108 patients with closed distal radius fractures treated at Yulin Orthopedic Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2023 to January 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent manual reduction and external fixation and were assigned to a control group (traditional bamboo splints, n = 56) or an observation group (3D printed splints, n = 52) according to fixation method. Baseline characteristics, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, wrist range of motion and grip strength (expressed as percentages of the contralateral side), radiographic parameters (radial styloid height, ulnar inclination, volar tilt, and articular step-off), fracture healing time, and complications were compared. Results: All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. At 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after reduction, VAS and PRWE scores were lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P Conclusion: Compared with traditional bamboo splints, personalized 3D printed splints can better maintain radiographic reduction after manual reduction of distal radius fractures and may help reduce pain and promote wrist functional recovery. Their safety appears acceptable, but differences in complications require confirmation in larger studies.