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

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.