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Published on: October 17, 2025
3D Printing Applications in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Megan R Hsu1, Meraaj S Haleem2, Wellington Hsu2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beaumont Hospital Research Institute, 3811 West 13 Mile Road, Suite #404, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
3D printing (3DP) is a valuable tool in spine surgery for creating models and guides. Its application in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is growing, particularly for preoperative planning, despite current limitations.
Area of Science:
- Medical technology
- Orthopedic surgery
- Spine surgery
Background:
- 3D printing (3DP) is increasingly adopted in medicine for patient care.
- Its use in spine surgery is established for creating biomodels, templates, guides, and implants.
- Information on 3DP in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications of 3D printing in spine surgery.
- To explore the specific utilization and potential of 3DP in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).
- To identify factors influencing the adoption of 3DP in MISS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 3D printing applications in spine surgery.
- Analysis of current trends and limitations in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).
Main Results:
- 3D printing is used in spine surgery for biomodeling, hardware templates/guides, and implants.
- Minimally invasive spine surgeons are adopting 3DP, especially for preoperative planning via biomodeling.
- Barriers to widespread adoption include time, cost, and limited diagnostic applications.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing technology is a valuable asset for spine surgeons.
- Significant potential exists for expanding 3DP applications within minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).
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