3D Printing Assisted Upper Thoracic Vertebral (T1–6) Fractures Instrumentation

Ceren Kızmazoglu; Rıfat Saygın Altınağ; Fazlı Oğuzhan Durak; Ege Coşkun; Resit Bugra Husemoglu; İsmail Kaya; Hasan Emre Aydın; Turan Kandemir; Orhan Kalemci

Ceren Kızmazoglu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6146-0842
Rıfat Saygın Altınağ https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3355-0554
Fazlı Oğuzhan Durak https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4741-1742
Ege Coşkun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5582-9786
Resit Bugra Husemoglu Bugra H https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1979-160X
İsmail Kaya
Hasan Emre Aydın https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8932-1542
Turan Kandemir
Orhan Kalemci https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8607-6860

Keywords: Surgical planning, Pilot hole, 3D printer, Upper thoracic fracture

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) printed models specific to the patients, decrease preoperative complications by providing preoperative surgical planning and application opportunities to the surgeon. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical results of preoperative surgical planning and application on 3D printed models, in patients with upper thoracic vertebral fracture treated via pedicle screw and posterior spinal fusion. 6 patients in total with an upper thoracal fracture from our clinics were included in this study. 3D printer with custom design printing capability and lamellar printing technology was used for the production of 3D models. Preoperative surgical planning and application were performed on the models. The mean age of the patients was 47.16±13.40 (25-64). 4 (66.7%) of 6 patients were males and 2 (33.3%) were females. All presented after a history of trauma. The mean operation duration was 253.33±74.47 minutes (170-360). The mean duration of hospitalization was 13.83±9.06 days. Spinal instrumentation with the assistance from preoperative 3D models is an effective and reliable treatment for upper thoracic vertebral fractures. The use of the 3D models increases the ability of preoperative simulation in favor of the surgeon. This technique decreases the risk of screw malposition and shortens the operative duration thus enhances intraoperative reliability.