Current applications of 3-dimensional printing in spine surgery.

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional printing (3D Printing) has emerged as a new technology in the early part of the 21st century, with promising applications in various industries, including the medical field. Spine care is a complex sub-specialty that has shown rapid inculcation of 3D printing. This technology is being used in pre-operative planning, patient education, and simulations, as well as intra-operatively for assistance in the form of patient specific jigs for pedicle screw placement and as implantable material in the form of vertebral body substitutes and patient-specific interbody cages.

APPLICATIONS

3DP in spine care has broadened the scope of minimally invasive and spine deformity surgeries. It has also enabled the production of patient-specific implants for complex spinal malignancies and infections. The technology has been embraced by various government organizations, including the US-FDA, which has drafted guidelines for the medical use of 3DP.

DRAWBACKS

Despite these promising advances and results, there still exist some significant drawbacks to the universal application of 3D printing technology. One of the main limitations is the dearth of long-term data describing the advantages and drawbacks in its clinical use. The widespread adoption of 3D models in small-scale healthcare setups is impeded by significant factors such as the high cost associated with their production, the requirement for specialized human resources, and specific instrumentation.

CONCLUSION

As technological understanding increases, newer applications and innovations in spine care are expected to unravel in the near future. With the expected surge in 3DP applications in spine care, it is imperative for all spine surgeons to possess a rudimentary understanding of this technology. Although there are still limitations to its universal use, 3DP in spine care has shown promising results and has the potential to revolutionize the field of spine surgery.