Application of 3D-Printed Model in the Cervical Spine Osteochondroma Surgery: A Case Report

3D printing for spine pathologies: a state-of-the-art review

Three-Dimensional Printing has advanced throughout the years in the field of biomedical science with applications, especially in spine surgeries. 3D printing has the ability of fabricating highly complex structures with ease and high dimensional accuracy. The complexity of the spine's architecture and the inherent dangers of spinal surgery bring the evaluation of 3D printed models into consideration. This article summarizes the benefits of 3D printing based models for application in spine pathology. 3D printing technique is extensively used for fabrication of anatomical models, surgical guides and patient specific implants (PSI). The 3D printing based anatomical models assist in preoperative planning and training of students. Furthermore, 3D printed models can be used for improved communication and understanding of patients about the spinal disorders. The use of 3D printed surgical guides help in the stabilization of the spine during surgery, improving post procedural outcomes. Improved surgical results can be achieved by using PSIs that are tailored for patient specific needs. Finally, this review discusses the limitations and potential future scope of 3D printing in spine pathologies. 3D printing is still in its infancy, and further research would provide better understanding of the technology's true potential in spinal procedures.

Virtual Scoliosis Surgery Using a 3D-Printed Model Based on Biplanar Radiographs

The aim of this paper is to describe a protocol that simulates the spinal surgery undergone by adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by using a 3D-printed spine model. Patients with AIS underwent pre- and postoperative bi-planar low-dose X-rays from which a numerical 3D model of their spine was generated. The preoperative numerical spine model was subsequently 3D printed to virtually reproduce the spine surgery. Special consideration was given to the printing materials for the 3D-printed elements in order to reflect the radiopaque and mechanical properties of typical bones most accurately. Two patients with AIS were recruited and operated. During the virtual surgery, both pre- and postoperative images of the 3D-printed spine model were acquired. The proposed 3D-printing workflow used to create a realistic 3D-printed spine suitable for virtual surgery appears to be feasible and reliable. This method could be used for virtual-reality scoliosis surgery training incorporating 3D-printed models, and to test surgical instruments and implants.