3d Printing Spine Surgery

This novel technology has also become a promising innovation for spine surgery.

3d printing spine surgery. Novel applications of this technology in spine surgery have also been described and though still in a nascent stage these are important for this technology to sustain itself in the future. Three dimensional printing also known as additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing industry particularly in the area of spinal surgery. Rapid prototyping rp also known as three dimensional printing 3dp allows the rapid conversion of anatomical images into physical components by the use of special printers. Among the more common applications of 3d printing technology to spine surgery is the use of 3d models for education and clinical training.

Before they ever reach the operating table. Spine surgeons have initially used 3 dimensional prototypes of new implants. Physicians begin the fusion process by taking ct and mri scans of a patients spine. Several authors have highlighted significant benefits when 3d printing is used for specific indications in spine surgery.

This gives them a full view of what exactly where the affected disc is located where they need to make their incision and gives them the exact dimensions they need to design and print a 3d interbody device that is custom fit to the patient. As 3d printing techniques have advanced so too have their ability to accurately and realistically recreate normal and pathologic anatomy for teaching purposes. As a result of the developments in 3dp technology production speeds have increased and costs have decreased. Given the complex anatomy of the spine and delicate nature of surrounding structures 3d printing has the potential to aid surgical planning and procedural accuracy.