Application of 3D-Printed Artificial Vertebrae in the Reconstruction After Resection of Complex Malignant Spinal...

The reconstruction of the anterior vertebral body using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae after total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal tumors restores spinal stability.

To investigate the feasibility of using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae for spinal reconstruction after tumor resection.

Total en bloc spondylectomy is an effective surgical method for treating spinal tumors. However, reconstructing the vertebral body after tumor resection is challenging. 3D-printed artificial vertebrae offer a novel solution to this issue.

From December 2016 to September 2023, 43 patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent vertebrectomy followed by reconstruction using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae. The cohort included 30 males and 13 females, aged 15-76 years, with a mean age of 58.0 years. Tumor types included 12 primary malignant tumors and 36 metastatic tumors. Clinical outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative VAS scores at 24 hours and 3 months, Frankel grades, and radiologic evaluation of local tumor control and prosthesis subsidence.

Follow-up ranged from 3 to 31 months, with a mean of 10.9 months. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores at 24 hours and 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores ( P <0.01). Of the 43 patients, 42 (97.7%) showed at least one grade improvement in Frankel grade at the last follow-up. During the follow-up period, there were no cases of prosthesis subsidence among the patients who underwent reconstruction with 3D-printed artificial vertebrae.

Porous titanium artificial vertebrae produced by 3D printing technology exhibit good biocompatibility and mechanical stability, making them suitable for reconstruction after vertebrectomy.