3D-printed guide template for cervical stabilization surgery: A case report.

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical spine injuries are a growing global public health concern. Management depends on injury severity, with severe cases requiring surgical decompression and stabilization. Emerging technologies such as 3D-printed patient-specific templates offer enhanced accuracy and safety in pedicle screw placement compared to traditional freehand techniques.

Research question: Can 3D-printed patient-specific guide templates improve the safety, efficiency, and outcomes of cervical spine fusion procedures compared to conventional techniques?

Case report: A 62-year-old male with a cervical spinal injury underwent emergency decompression at an external facility. Subsequent imaging revealed iatrogenic instability due to multi-level laminectomies (C3-C6). Preoperative CT data were processed using software (Mimics v14, MeshMixer) to design patient-specific templates, printed with a 3D Ultimaker 2 printer. These sterilized templates were used intraoperatively for navigation, aiding in transpedicular screw placement at C2, C7, and T1 levels, with lateral mass screws placed for C3-C6 using a freehand technique.

Results: Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirmed accurate screw placement with no vertebral artery injury or malposition. Postoperative CT validated precise alignment, and no hematoma or complications were observed. The use of 3D templates reduced operative time and radiation exposure compared to traditional methods.

Discussion: 3D-printed templates offer a cost-effective and accessible alternative to robotic systems, enhancing precision and minimizing complications. Literature supports their safety, accuracy, and potential to reduce operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure.

Conclusion: 3D-printed templates represent an effective and innovative tool for improving cervical spine surgery outcomes. Future advancements in 3D-printing technologies could further optimize spinal stabilization and fusion procedures.