Abstract:Objective To compare the effects of operation with 3D printing fracture model and traditional operation on the treatment of distal humerus c-type fracture. Methods The retrospective analysis of 59 patients with distal humerus c-type fractures in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2017 was used. Among them, 27 patients volunteered to use 3D printing technology, print out the physical model and perform simulated operation on the 3D model. The operation was planned according to the preoperative plan (3D printing group, n = 27). The other 32 patients underwent conventional X-ray, CT three-dimensional reconstruction and conventional surgery (traditional surgery group, n = 32). The two groups were compared in terms of the operation time, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, intraoperative blood loss. The Mayo score was assessed 3 months after operation. The degree of motion of elbow joint, the time of fracture healing time and the incidence of complications were assessed 6 months after operation. Results The Mayo score of elbow joint 3 months after operation and the degree of motion of elbow joint 6 months after operation in 3D printing group were superior to those in the traditional surgery group (P < 0.05). The operation time, the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy and the amount of bleeding during the operation in the 3D printing group were less than those in the traditional surgery group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the time of fracture healing and the incidence of complications (P > 0.05). Conclusions In the treatment of distal humerus C-type fracture, 3D printing fracture model can be used to assist the operation, which can achieve better clinical results.