Published in:
01-12-2019 | Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (W Hsu, Section Editor)
Three-Dimensional Printing in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Authors:
Jonathan T. Yamaguchi, Wellington K. Hsu
Published in:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
|
Issue 4/2019
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
To summarize the recent advances in 3D printing technology as it relates to spine surgery and how it can be applied to minimally invasive spine surgery.
Recent Findings
Most early literature about 3D printing in spine surgery was focused on reconstructing biomodels based on patient imaging. These biomodels were used to simulate complex pathology preoperatively. The focus has shifted to guides, templates, and implants that can be used during surgery and are specific to patient anatomy. However, there continues to be a lack of long-term outcomes or cost-effectiveness analyses. 3D printing also has the potential to revolutionize tissue engineering applications in the search for the optimal scaffold material and structure to improve bone regeneration without the use of other grafting materials.
Summary
3D printing has many potential applications to minimally invasive spine surgery requiring more data for widespread adoption.