Abstract
The clinical applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in the field of spine surgery and education have recently begun to progress. Technological advances have made it relatively inexpensive and easy to create 3D models. Herein, we explain how to construct a full-scale model using a 3D printer, and review articles on the current clinical applications and limitations. Creation of a 3D model based on the patient’s radiographic image data facilitates understanding of the complicated anatomy. This model enables improvements in visual understanding, preoperative surgical planning, and gives the surgeon a training opportunity. Furthermore, 3D printer technology can also be useful during surgery, and 3D printed surgical guidance systems have previously been successfully used for spine surgery. 3D printing patient-specific guides and templates are highly useful to facilitate safe screw insertion. In addition, 3D printers can be used to create patient-specific implants.
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