Clinical Application of 3D Printing in Non-Arthroscopic Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Center…

Cohort studyThe Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons· Aug 2026

Clinical Application of 3D Printing in Non-Arthroscopic Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Kai Luo, Liqin Sun, Kang Lu … Yi Xiang

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Sports Medicine & ArthroscopyCohort studyTreatmentQ2IF 1.6

3D-printed guides shortened operation time for ankle ligament reconstruction versus conventional surgery.

Clinical Application of 3D Printing in Non-Arthroscopic Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Kai Luo … Yi Xiang

The Journal of foot and ankle surgery · Aug 2026 · Q2 in Orthopedics

Background

Chronic lateral ankle instability (chronic lateral ankle instability) often requires anatomic ligament reconstruction after failed conservative treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) printed personalized guide plates for improving surgical precision and reducing intraoperative radiation exposure during lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.

Methods

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

n = 24

Results

guides cut operating time by about 9 minutes versus freehand technique

Template group

35.42min

Conventional group

44.79min

More results

All patients completed 12-20 months of follow-up (mean, 14.5 ± 5.5 months).

No significant between-group differences were observed in AOFAS, Visual Analog Scale, or Karlsson scores at the final follow-up (all p > 0.05).

Both groups had negative Anterior Drawer and Talar Tilt tests postoperatively, indicating successful stabilization.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Compared with conventional surgery, 3D-printed guide-assisted surgery significantly reduced operation time, intraoperative positioning time, and radiation exposure.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

It is a promising and efficient approach for non-arthroscopic ankle ligament reconstruction. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Clinical Application of 3D Printing in Non-Arthroscopic Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Clinical Application of 3D Printing in Non-Arthroscopic Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

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