Minimally invasive spine surgeons adopted 3D-printing technology by using biomodeling to optimize preoperative planning, according to an article in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Here are four things to know:
1. Spine surgeons are currently using 3D printing to create biomodels, implants, hardware templates and guides.
2. Implants produced with 3D-printing technology promote superior fit and osteoinductivity, which facilitates minimal disruption, according to the authors.
3. MIS surgeons can use 3D-printed surgical guides to improve hardware placement specificity and accuracy.
4. Factors limiting widespread adoption of 3D-printing technology include cost, time and the relatively limited range of diagnoses to which the technology has been applied.