Preoperative Planning Using Three-dimensional Printing for Full-endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Technical Note

Abstract

Transforaminal full-endoscopic spine surgery (TF-FESS) is a novel minimally invasive spine surgery that requires only an 8-mm skin incision and causes minimal damage to the paravertebral muscles. To perform TF-FESS safely and efficiently, preoperative planning is quite important as the intervention requires anatomical understanding and high technical skills. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) printing has become a useful tool in various surgeries, and several studies have addressed its efficacy; however, there are no reports on the application of 3D printing to FESS. In this study, we present two cases of severe lumbar deformities for which preoperative 3D printing was useful. The 3D printing enabled the surgeons to visualize and plan the drilling of the superior articular process for a successful foraminoplasty at a low cost. The manufacturing equipment cost about USD 900 and is able to produce an actual-size model at a cost of less than USD 10 per patient. In conclusion, preoperative planning using 3D printing should be adopted to safely perform FESS.

Development of New Surgical Training for Full Endoscopic Surgery Using 3D-Printed Models

“…We consider that surgical training using a 3D printer can compensate for these shortcomings. A 3D-printed model that was useful for surgical simulation has previously been reported 9 . In addition, 3D-printed models can be used as disease models.…”

“…3D-printed models are also inexpensive, although the price varies depending on the type and amount of material used. Okada et al 9 reported a cost of less than USD 10 per patient to produce a 3D-printed model. In this study, the cost of creating a 3D-printed model was USD 10-15.…”

“…Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is useful in various fields 8 . For example, Okada et al reported the application of 3D printing for preoperative surgical simulation in FESS 9 .…”