E-BABE- Use of the Three-dimensional Printed Model-assisted Screw Installation for the Treatment of Posterior Spondylolisthesis Transpedicular Fixation
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Abstract
The present study aimed to compare patients in whom an operation plan was prepared before surgery using the 3D modeling technology with the application of freehand screws using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan images. The printings and modelings were established in the Innovation Laboratory of Kütahya Health Sciences University. Of 36 patients, 16 underwent surgery with 3D printing (group 1) and 20 with the freehand technique (group 2). The surgeries were performed by the same surgeons. Moreover, 5-mm pedicle screws were located in 92 vertebras in 16 patients in whom 3D modeling was used and in 124 vertebras in 20 patients in whom this modeling technique was not used. No screw invasion was classified under Category D (>4-mm cortical invasion). By contrast, of the 216 cases of screw invasion, 12 (5.5%), 25 (11.57%), and 144 (66.66%) were classified under Categories C, B, and A, respectively. Invasions occurred in all lumbar spine levels other than L5 and were commonly observed in the L1 vertebra level. The use of the improved 3D technology in the neurosurgery field is advantageous for surgeons as it decreases the preoperative preparation phase, length of operation, and risk of complications.