Three-Dimensional Printed Custom-Made Prostheses after Partial Scapulectomy: A Case Report
, Maria Grazia Benedetti 2,3,*, Roberta Bardelli 4, Daniela Platano 2,3, Roberta Laranga 1 and Gianmarco Tuzzato 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This case report is interesting and well-written. In my understanding, partial scapulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the scapula. After undergoing such a procedure, the patient may require a prosthetic reconstruction to restore the functional and aesthetic aspects of the shoulder region. While 3D prosthetic reconstructions are not a standard solution for partial scapulectomy, advancements in technology and medical engineering have led to the development of customized prosthetic options. So, in these aspects, your surgical procedure and results are very impressed. I hope that your research will develop into a retrospective study with more patients.
But, there are several points to be made in this paper.
1. Title and abstract: It is recommended that you use the full name of some abbreviations like as 3D or ADL.
2. I would like to add a part about the limitations of this operation (3D prosthetic reconstruction).
For example, in this manuscript, at 6months of follow-up, the patient showed a mechanical complication of the prostheses implant. In my opinion, it would be good to describe what your future solutions are to overcome this with limitations of technique.
Author Response
We are grateful to the reviewers for their insightful comments on our paper. We have been able to incorporate changes to reflect most of the suggestions provided by the reviewers. We have highlighted the changes within the manuscript and wrote a pont by point response to the reviewer's comments. Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Thank you for the opportunity for the review of the article.
This case study focuses on scapula reconstruction using 3D printing in a patient with low-grade osteosarcoma. The study aims to assess the functional outcomes of the reconstruction. A 39-year-old patient with osteosarcoma involving two-thirds of the scapula underwent a custom prosthetic reconstruction. The patient followed a 12-month rehabilitation protocol. The results indicate that although there was a slight decrease in range of movement and an increase in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, there was no significant increase in activities of daily living (ADL) disability. The patient was able to resume daily activities without pain and with minimal functional limitations. In conclusion, 3D prosthetic reconstruction using 3D printing offers a valid alternative for scapula reconstruction, providing excellent functional and aesthetic results in oncological cases.
I know the 3D technique for the scapula is cutting edge of the technology. I believe this review might be important for the future study.
I would like several comments of this article.
Abstract: the structure of abstract should be changed. This is case study.
Introduction: COS might be conventional osteosarcoma.
Line 38, what is “low symptom”.
Line 38, average of> ?, please insert space.
Line 59, CT, computed tomography. Also MRI
Line 62, this expression is unusual: abb/adduction.
Line 139, how did you cut the scapula precisely? Custom cutting guide or navigation?
Line 145, emi -> hemi
Table1, 1-2 month? 12 month? There is mistake in % of DASH score
Line 207. Dash -> DASH
Author Response
We are grateful to the reviewer for his insightful comments on our paper. We have been able to incorporate changes to reflect most of the suggestions provided by the reviewer. We have highlighted the changes within the manuscript, and we provided a point-by-point response to the reviewer's comments and concern. Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
