Personalised 3D orthopaedics is redefining the future of knee surgery.

This study showcases a breakthrough in orthopaedic surgery through the use of personalised, 3D-planned high tibial osteotomy (HTO) — a modern, joint-preserving treatment for early-stage knee osteoarthritis. By combining advanced imaging, 3D modelling, and metal additive manufacturing, surgeons can achieve exceptional precision and tailor every procedure to the patient’s anatomy.

In this clinical trial involving 25 patients, researchers used distance map analysis (DMA) to compare pre- and postoperative bone models, revealing an impressive alignment accuracy within ±1.4 mm. Even the fixation plates showed minimal deformation, confirming the stability and reliability of the technique.

The results demonstrate that digitally planned, 3D-printed surgical guides and fixation plates enable surgeons to reproduce the planned correction with remarkable accuracy — paving the way for safer surgeries, faster recovery, and long-term joint preservation.