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3D printing for the treatment of pathological fracture associated with patellar osteoblastoma: case reports

He Q, Cao Y, Huang J

International journal of surgery case reports, 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoblastoma is a rare, benign osteogenic tumor. Among patients with osteoblastoma, a small number initially seek medical treatment for pathological fractures of the patella.

Importance: The patella plays a crucial role in the knee joint, contributing significantly to its normal function.

Presentation of case: This report describes the case of a young male patient with patellar osteoblastoma complicated by a pathological fracture that was treated using a 3D-printed, customized, tantalum-alloy patellar prosthesis.

Clinical discussion: Surgical intervention serves as the primary treatment modality for patellar tumors, encompassing both partial and complete resection of the patella.

Conclusion: The 2-year follow-up demonstrated satisfactory efficacy, and functional recovery was attained.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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