Case Study: Sahlgrenska University Hospital achieves precise, predictable distal radius correction and restored function with Materialise 3D planning and patient-specific guides

Sahlgrenska University Hospital - Customer Case Study

Sahlgrenska University Hospital faced a challenging malunion of the distal radius in a young patient treated originally in 2009. Dr. Peter Axelsson worked with Materialise using 3D-printed anatomical models, 3D analysis and planning, and 3D-printed patient-specific guides to plan and execute a corrective osteotomy.

Materialise generated a CT-based 3D reconstruction mirroring the healthy contralateral radius, enabled a two-osteotomy plan with simulated plate/screw positioning, and supplied patient-specific drilling and cutting guides so the team could pre-drill screw holes and perform the planned reduction with off-the-shelf hardware. The guided, customized workflow increased surgical predictability and fit — three years post-op the patient reported 10/10 satisfaction, pain 1/10, near-normal range of motion and grip strength, and healed without complication.

Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Peter Axelsson

Sahlgrenska University Hospital