Applying 3-Dimensional Printing and Modeling for Preoperative Reconstruction and Instrumentation Placement Planning in Complex Deformity Surgery

James P. Caruso, Benjamin R. Kafka, Jeffrey I. Traylor, Remi A. Wilson, Tarek El Ahmadieh, Rabih Bou Nassif, Christie Caldwell, Paolo Palmisciano, Mazin Al Tamimi, Daiwai M. Olson, Nader S. Dahdaleh, Carlos A. Bagley, Salah G. Aoun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the development of customized instrumentation and surgical training platforms. However, no existing studies have assessed how patient-specific 3D-printed spine models can facilitate patient education and operative planning in complex spinal deformity correction. OBJECTIVE: To present a cost-effective technique for constructing personalized 3D-printed spine models for patients with severe spinal deformities and to outline how these models can promote informed consent, trainee education, and planning for instrumentation placement and alignment correction. METHODS: We present 2 patients who underwent surgical correction of progressive thoracolumbar deformities. Full-scale 3D-printed models of each patient’s spine were produced preoperatively and used during clinic evaluations, surgical planning, and as intraoperative references. RESULTS: Each model took 9 days to build and required less than 60 US dollars of material costs. Both patients were treated with a posterior approach and contiguous multilevel osteotomies. Postoperatively, their alignment parameters and neurological deficits improved. CONCLUSION: Personalized 3D-printed spine models can aid in patient education, surgical training, visualization, and correction of complex spinal deformities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)514-522
Number of pages9
JournalOperative Neurosurgery
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 26 2022

Keywords

  • 3D modeling
  • 3D printing
  • Adult deformity
  • Polylactic acid
  • Polyvinyl alcohol
  • Scoliosis
  • Surgical planning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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