Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
3D Printing Model of a Patient's Specific Lumbar Vertebra
Published on: April 14, 2023
3D-Printed Spine Models for Planning Staged Minimally Invasive Transverse Process Resections for Bertolotti Syndrome:
James P Caruso1, Ammar Adenwalla1, Nikit Venishetty2
1Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas.
Background:
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has enabled numerous advances in spine surgery execution and education. However, few examples exist to outline how this technology can aid the performance of complex spine surgery using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. Therefore, we present a case that illustrates the benefits of 3D-printed spine model production before and after correction of a congenital lumbosacral anomaly using an MIS approach.
Case Report:
A 40-year-old woman with Bertolotti syndrome underwent a staged bilateral L6 MIS transverse process resection for the treatment of severe and progressive axial back pain which had repeatedly failed conservative management. 3D-printed spine models were used for pre- and post-operative surgical planning and patient counseling.
Conclusion:
3D-printed spine models can aid in the planning of complex spine cases suited for an MIS approach.
