When, Where, How? 3D Printing in Spinal Stabilization

This lecture will cover a review of the literature of published cadaveric and clinical studies to the current date, that are reporting the use of custom 3D printed guides for stabilisation of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spine. The talk will include a short overview of the principles and requirements for 3D printing for spinal stabilisation in general. We will especially focus on discussing the current literature, and its published methods and results to be able to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of 3D printing in spinal stabilisation. We will identify cases that might be amenable for the use of 3D printed guides and give insights into preoperative requirements, and how this influences the use of the guides and their intraoperative application including possible intraoperative challenges and decision making.