The Role of 3D Printing in Treatment Planning of Spine and Sacral Tumors

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has proven to have many advantages in spine and sacrum surgery. 3D printing allows the manufacturing of life-size patient-specific anatomic and pathologic models to improve preoperative understanding of patient anatomy and pathology. Additionally, virtual surgical planning using medical computer-aided design software has enabled surgeons to create patient-specific surgical plans and simulate procedures in a virtual environment. This has resulted in reduced operative times, decreased complications, and improved patient outcomes. Combined with new surgical techniques, 3D-printed custom medical devices and instruments using titanium and biocompatible resins and polyamides have allowed innovative reconstructions.

Keywords: 3D printing; Osteotomy guide; Patient-specific instrument; Spine; Spine metastasis; Spine navigation; Spine tumor; Surgical planning.