3D-Printed Bio Models in Lumbar Revision Surgery: A Report on Two Cases and a Literature Review

Case report and literature review.

To report 2 detailed cases of 3D printing application in lumbar revision surgery and to conduct a corresponding literature review.

As lumbar fusion surgeries rise, so do revision procedures, posing significant challenges due to potential complications. This report presents 2 successful lumbar revision cases using 3D biomodel-based customized plans. Both patients had favorable outcomes, highlighting the advantages of 3D biomodel printing in enhancing lumbar revision effectiveness.

A 1:1 scale lumbar spine model was created using each patient's computerized tomography (CT) scan, and personalized interbody fusion devices were 3D printed for preoperative planning, placement simulation, patient education, and intraoperative guidance. At the 3-month follow-up, both patients reported symptom relief. Specifically, Patient 1 exhibited a reduction in VAS scores from 5 (preoperative lumbar) and 5 (preoperative leg) to 2 and 1, respectively. Patient 2 showed a decrease from 6 (preoperative lumbar) and 7 (preoperative leg) to 2 and 3, respectively. X-ray radiographs confirmed no evidence of dysfunction of the interbody fusion devices.

At the 3-month follow-up, both patients exhibited symptomatic improvement. Radiographic assessment demonstrated stable positioning of the interbody fusion devices with no signs of loosening, migration, or failure.

This study used 3D biomodeling to customize lumbar spine prostheses and plan revision surgeries. Favorable outcomes hint at 3D printing's benefits, but more clinical cases and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its effectiveness. The findings highlight 3D printing's potential in advancing lumbar spine surgery.