Study design: A prospective trial of stereolithographic biomodeling in complex spinal surgery.
Objectives: To investigate the use of stereolithographic biomodeling as an aid to complex spinal surgery.
Summary of background data: Of the array of imaging methods available to assist the spinal surgeon, no single method provides a complete overview of the anatomy, although three-dimensional imaging has been shown to have advantages.
Methods: Stereolithographic biomodeling is a new technology that allows data from three-dimensional computed tomographic scans to be used to generate exact plastic replicas of anatomic structures. Five patients with complex deformities were selected: two children with congenital deformities, a patient with an osteoblastoma, a patient with basilar invagination caused by osteogenesis imperfecta, and a patient with a failed lumbar fusion. Computed tomographic scanning was performed and stereolithographic biomodels generated. The stereolithographic biomodels were used for patient education, operative planning, and surgical navigation.
Results: The surgeons reported that biomodeling was useful in complex spinal surgery and was an effective technology. Stereolithographic biomodels were found to be particularly useful in morphologic assessment, in the planning and rehearsal of surgery, for intraoperative navigation, and for informing patients about surgical procedures.
Conclusions: Stereolithographic biomodeling allows imaging data to be displayed in a physical form. This intuitive medium may improve data display and allows surgical simulation on a proxy of the surgical site. Draw-backs of the technology were a minimum 24 hours' manufacturing time and the cost.