Chest Wall Reconstruction Using 3-Dimensional Printing: Functional and Mechanical Results.

ABSTRACT Background Tumors involving the chest wall may require extensive resection and reconstruction. This study aims to evaluate functional, cosmetic results, and quality of life (QoL) in patients who had a reconstruction based on patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printing. Methods The patient-specific chest wall prosthesis was created for 10 patients. The anatomical models were 3D printed and used to produce a silicone mold which was filled with methyl methacrylate to create the customized prosthesis. Evaluation of the reconstruction was completed by QoL assessment and post-operative tracking of patients’ chest motion, using infrared markers. The distance between plot points representing markers on the operated and contralateral side was measured, to assess symmetrical motion. Results 23 consecutive patients were enrolled with median age of 64 years old. Thirteen patients underwent a non-rigid reconstruction, and 10 had a patient-specific rigid reconstruction with methyl methacrylate. The median number of ribs resected was 3. No postoperative complications or morbidity related to the prostheses were reported. The median hospital stay in the non-rigid reconstruction group was 8.5 days compared to 7.5 (p = .167) in rigid reconstruction group. Postoperatively, most patients had low levels of symptoms, with 82% experiencing chest pain and 53% experiencing dyspnoea. Rigid reconstruction patients demonstrated more symmetrical breathing motion compared to non-rigid reconstruction patients. The mean distances were 2.32 ± 2.18 and 7.28 ± 5.87 (p Conclusions This study shows that a 3D patient-specific prosthesis is feasible and safe, suggesting a possible trend towards improved breathing mechanics, QoL and cosmetic results.