3-Dimensionally Printed Biomimetic Surgical Simulation-Operative Technique of a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Abstract

We present a surgical video highlighting the technical demonstration and microsurgical anatomy of an L4-5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion utilizing a combination of thermoplastic polymers and 3-dimensional printing technology to create a biomimetic lumbar spine surgical simulator. The posterior elements of L4-5 and the inferior portion of L3 are exposed in their entirety, including the transverse processes in order to identify the appropriate landmarks for pedicle screw insertion. The interspinous ligament of L4-5 is removed, and an interlaminar spreader is used to distract the facet joint. An inferior L4 facetectomy is performed for local autograft harvesting. The L4 and L5 pedicles are skeletonized to completely open the foramen in order to ensure that the exiting nerve root will not be compromised during cage insertion. The ligamentum flavum is then removed, exposing the common thecal sac and L5 traversing root. The L4 exiting nerve root is then identified, completing Kambin's triangle and location of the disc space. The disc is incised, and a combination of punches and curettes are used to completely remove the disc. After an interbody trial is used to assess the proper cage size, the cage is packed with graft and inserted into the midline of the disc space. Pedicle screws are then placed using an anatomic freehand technique, and intraoperative fluoroscopy is performed in order to evaluate the instrumentation and interbody position. If a contralateral decompression is required, a facet-sparing technique is performed in order to preserve bony surface for the fusion. Patient consent was not required for this simulation video.