Use of rapid prototyping drill template for the expansive open door laminoplasty: A cadaveric study

Chang

BioMed Research International

et al. 2019

Background The pedicle screw is one of the main tools used in spinal deformity correction surgery. Robotic and navigated surgeries are usually used, and they provide superior accuracy in pedicle screw placement than free-hand and fluoroscopy-guided techniques. However, their high cost and space limitation are problematic. We provide a new solution using 3D printing technology to facilitate spinal deformity surgery. Methods A workflow was developed to assist spinal deformity surgery using 3D printing technology. The trajectory and profile of pedicle screws were determined on the image system by the surgical team. The engineering team designed drill templates based on the bony surface anatomy and the trajectory of pedicle screws. Their effectiveness and safety were evaluated during a preoperative simulation surgery. The surgery consisted in making a pilot hole through the drill template on a computed tomography- (CT-) based, full-scale 3D spine model for every planned segment. Somatosensory evoke potential (SSEP) and motor evoke potential (MEP) were used for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Postoperative CT was obtained 6 months after the correction surgery to confirm the screw accuracy. Results From July 2015 to November 2016, we performed 10 spinal deformity surgeries with 3D printing technology assistance. In total, 173 pedicle screws were implanted using drill templates. No notable change in SSEP and MEP or neurologic deficit was noted. Based on postoperative CT scans, the acceptable rate was 97.1% (168/173). We recorded twelve pedicle screws with medial breach, six with lateral breach, and five with inferior breach. Medial breach (12/23) was the main type of penetration. Lateral breach occurred mostly in the concave side (5/6). Most penetrations occurred above the T8 level (69.6%, 16/23). Conclusion 3D printing technology provides an effective alternative for spinal deformity surgery when expensive medical equipment, such as intraoperative navigation and robotic systems, is unavailable.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Accuracy of 3D Printing Assistance in the Spinal Deformity Surgery

Chang

BioMed Research International

et al. 2019

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma

“…Apart from its application in creation of 3D printed pedicle screw guide templates, 3DP has also been used in a cadaveric study to make drill guide templates for trough preparation in expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty. 27 It has been claimed that a rapid prototyping drill template could guide the surgeon towards appropriate trough position and bone removal in this procedure. Fig.…”

Section: Surgical Tools and Guidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current status of 3D printing in spine surgery

Garg

Mehta

2018

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is one of the latest tools in the armamentarium of the modern spine surgeon. The yearning to be more precise and reliable whilst operating on the spine has led to an interest in this technology which has claimed to achieve these goals. 3D printing has been used pre-operatively for surgical planning and for resident or patient education. It has also found its way to the operation theatre where it is used to fabricate customized surgical tools or patient-specific implants. Several authors have highlighted significant benefits when 3D printing is used for specific indications in 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. However, major limitations have also come to light with this technology in use. This article seeks to review the current status and applications of 3D printing in spinal surgery and its major drawbacks while briefly describing the essentials of the technology. It is imperative that the modern spine surgeon knows about this important innovation and when and how it can be applied to improve surgical outcomes.

“…39 3DP has been shown to be beneficial in improving training in spine surgery, including complex procedures such as open door laminoplasties and needle placement for image-guided spinal procedures. 27,40,41 Li et al 26 showed that training using a 3DP spine model helps increase skills and confidence of surgical trainees.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three-Dimensional Printing for Preoperative Planning and Pedicle Screw Placement in Adult Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review

Lopez

Boddapati

Lee

et al. 2020

Global Spine Journal

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: This current systematic review seeks to identify current applications and surgical outcomes for 3-dimensional printing (3DP) in the treatment of adult spinal deformity. Methods: A comprehensive search of publications was conducted through literature databases using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria consisted of original studies, studies with patients with adult spinal deformities, and studies focusing on the feasibility and/or utility of 3DP technologies in the planning or treatment of scoliosis and other spinal deformities. Exclusion criteria included studies with patients without adult spinal deformity, animal subjects, pediatric patients, reviews, and editorials. Results: Studies evaluating the effect of 3DP drill guide templates found higher screw placement accuracy in the 3DP cohort (96.9%), compared with non-3DP cohorts (81.5%, P < .001). Operative duration was significant decreased in 3DP cases (378 patients, 258 minutes) relative to non-3DP cases (301 patients,272 minutes, P < .05). The average deformity correction rate was 72.5% in 3DP cases (245 patients). There was no significant difference in perioperative blood loss between 3DP (924.6 mL, 252 patients) and non-3DP cases (935.6 mL, 177 patients, P = .058). Conclusions: Three-dimensional printing is currently used for presurgical planning, patient and trainee communication and education, pre- and intraoperative guides, and screw drill guides in the treatment of scoliosis and other adult spinal deformities. In adult spinal deformity, the usage of 3DP guides is associated with increased screw accuracy and favorable deformity correction outcomes; however, average costs and production lead time are highly variable between studies.