Clinical application of a 3D-printed metal drilling template in surgery for complex upper cervical disorders

Abstract

Objective To report the clinical effects of a 3D-printed metal drilling template used in surgery for complex upper cervical disorders. Methods Between August 2015 and June 2017, 5 patients with upper cervical disorder complicated with complex cranial cervical junction deformity underwent instrumentation and fusion. They were 4 males and one female, aged from 3 to 36 years. All the patients underwent thin slice CT scan before operation. The CT image data were imported into a computer workstation for three dimensional reconstruction of individualized models of the upper cervical spine on which individualized drilling templates were designed. Guided by each of the individualized metal drilling templates manufactured by 3D printing, surgery via the posterior approach was performed in 2 cases and surgery via the combined anterior and posterior approach in 3 cases. After surgery, the screw trajectory was evaluated by CT scan. Results Surgery succeeded in all the 5 patients. A total of 5 pedicle screws and 5 laminar screws were drilled. Postoperative CT scan showed accurate placement of all the 10 screws. The patients recovered with no neurovascular complications. Conclusion Since an individualized 3D-printed metal drilling template can improve the accuracy and safety of screw placement, it can reduce surgical risks and enhance surgical success in the surgery for complex upper cervical disorders. Key words: Cervical; Therapy, computer-assisted; Bone screws; Metal 3D-printing; Navigation template