Fig. 2

Identification of floating fragments and design of connecting struts to maintain their position. A 3D modelling segmentation of tibia (teal), fibula (maroon) and talus (orange) bones, with small floating components visualized in other colors. Identification of (B) thinly connected and (C) completely disconnected (floating) bone fragments. D, E Design of cylindrical connecting struts to stabilize the floating components with respect to the larger bone model. F Final digital model with connecting struts added to all floating components. G Schematic of a simulated bone and fragment component and connecting strut of varying diameter. H Handling of the 3D printed simulated components revealed the likelihood of component breakage