Three-Dimensional Printed Patient Models for Complex Pediatric Spinal Surgery Article

Full Text via DOI: 10.31486/toj.18.0117 PMID: 30983902 Web of Science: 000461149600013

Cited authors

  • Coote, Jeffrey D.; Nguyen, Theresa; Tholen, Kaitlyn; Stewart, Caleb; Verter, Elizabeth; McGee, John; Celestre, Paul; Sarkar, Korak

Abstract

  • Background: Pediatric spinal deformity surgeries are challenging operations that require considerable expertise and resources. The unique anatomy and rarity of these cases present challenges in surgical training and preparation. We present a case series illustrating how 3-dimensional (3-D) printed models were used in preoperative planning for 3 cases of pediatric spinal deformity surgery.; Case Series: Patient 1 was a 6-year-old male with scoliosis secondary to an L3 hemivertebra and severe congenital heart disease who underwent excision of the L3 hemivertebra and L2-L4 spinal fusion. Patient 2 was an 11-year-old male with an L2 hemivertebra and lumbar kyphosis who underwent excision of the L2 hemivertebra and T12-L4 spinal fusion. Patient 3 was a 6-year-old female with Down syndrome who presented with atlantoaxial instability and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She underwent occipital-cervical spinal fusion and decompression. Prior to surgery, 3-D printed models of the patients' spines were created based on computed tomography (CT) imaging.; Conclusion: The anatomic complexity and risk of devastating neurologic consequences in spine surgery call for careful preparations. 3-D models enable more efficient and precise surgical planning compared to the use of 2-dimensional CT/magnetic resonance images. The 3-D models also make it easier to visualize patient anatomy, allowing patients and their families who lack medical training to interpret and understand cross-sectional anatomy, which in our experience, enhanced the consultations.

Publication date

  • 2019

Published in

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1524-5012

Start page

  • 49

End page

  • 53

Volume

  • 19

Issue

  • 1