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

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Lumbar fusion surgeries are increasing, leading to a rise in complex revision procedures.
• Revision surgeries present significant challenges and potential complications.
• 3D biomodel printing offers a novel approach to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail two cases of 3D printing application in lumbar revision surgery.
• To review the existing literature on 3D printing in spinal surgery.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of 3D biomodel-based customized plans in revision cases.

Main Methods:

• Created 1:1 scale lumbar spine models from patient CT scans.
• 3D printed personalized interbody fusion devices for planning and guidance.
• Utilized models for preoperative planning, simulation, patient education, and intraoperative use.

Main Results:

• Both patients experienced significant symptomatic relief at 3-month follow-up.
• Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores improved substantially for both lumbar and leg pain.
• Radiographs confirmed stable positioning and no dysfunction of the 3D-printed interbody fusion devices.

Conclusions:

• 3D biomodeling and printing enabled customized prostheses and effective revision surgery planning.
• Favorable outcomes suggest benefits of 3D printing in lumbar revision surgery.
• Further clinical studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to fully validate 3D printing's role.