[RESEARCH PROGRESS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING TECHNIQUE FOR SPINAL IMPLANTS].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current research progress of three-dimensional (3D) printing technique for spinal implants manufacture.

METHODS

The recent original literature concerning technology, materials, process, clinical applications, and development direction of 3D printing technique in spinal implants was reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

At present, 3D printing technologies used to manufacture spinal implants include selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and electron beam melting. Titanium and its alloys are mainly used. 3D printing spinal implants manufactured by the above materials and technology have been successfully used in clinical. But the problems regarding safety, related complications, cost-benefit analysis, efficacy compared with traditional spinal implants, and the lack of relevant policies and regulations remain to be solved.

CONCLUSIONS

3D printing technique is able to provide individual and customized spinal implants for patients, which is helpful for the clinicians to perform operations much more accurately and safely. With the rapid development of 3D printing technology and new materials, more and more 3D printing spinal implants will be developed and used clinically.