Advancements in 3D printing technology have led to increased availability of custom implant use in veterinary surgery. The main goals of this project were to create and evaluate 3D printed implants for restoration of limb alignment in a diaphyseal fracture model. A 30 mm gap was created in the tibial diaphysis of twelve paired cadaveric pelvic limbs. CT scans of the contralateral limbs were used to create a custom implant with specifications similar to a LC-DCP. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis was used for implant placement. Radiographs were taken pre-ostectomy and post-repair to compare limb alignment, tibial length, and joint references angles. All repaired tibiae were shorter by a mean difference of 10.8 mm on the mediolateral radiographs and 9 mm on the craniocaudal radiographs which was statistically significant at p<0.0001 in both planes. Post-repair mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), mechanical medial distal tibial angle (mMDTA), mechanical caudal proximal tibial angle (mCaPTA), and mechanical cranial distal tibial angle (mCaDTA) had mean differences of -2.4°, -1.5°, -0.16°, and 0.66, respectively, when compared to the intact tibiae. Statistical significance was only reached for mMPTA (p=0.00005). Total tibial valgus was statistically increased (p<0.001) when comparing the intact and repaired tibiae. There was no difference (p=0.865) in the tibial plateau angle (TPA). Rotational alignment was determined to be acceptable in all specimens. Limitations to this study include its cadaveric nature and small sample size. Patient-specific, 3D printed implants were effective at restoring limb alignment without the use of plate contouring or advanced intraoperative imaging.
