Accuracy of a drilling with a custom 3D printed guide or free‐hand technique in canine experimental sacroiliac luxations

Objective To improve the accuracy of drilling during the repair of sacroiliac luxations (SILs) with a 3D‐printed patient‐specific drill guide (3D‐GDT) compared to free‐hand drilling technique (FHDT). Study design Blinded, randomized, prospective ex vivo study. Sample population Sixteen canine cadavers (20–25 kg). Methods Dorsal, bilateral SILs were created. Pelvic CT was performed pre‐ and post‐drilling. The FHDT was drilled followed by 3D‐GDT. CT and 3D measurements of craniocaudal and dorsoventral angles were compared between FHDT and 3D‐GDT, as well as deviations of entry and exit points relative to optimal trajectory. Results Mean craniocaudal and dorsoventral angles for both CT‐ and 3D‐measured 3D‐GDT (CT 4.2 ± 3.9° and 3.9 ± 3.2°, respectively; 3D 5.1 ± 5.1° and 2.8 ± 2.3°, respectively p = .0006) were lower compared to FHDT (CT 11.8 ± 4.0°, p