Vital Role of In-House 3D Lab to Create Unprecedented Solutions for Challenges in Spinal Surgery, Practical Guidelines and Clinical Case Series

Koen Willemsen*, Joëll Magré, Jeroen Mol, Herke Jan Noordmans, Harrie Weinans, Edsko E.G. Hekman, Moyo C. Kruyt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
53 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

For decades, the advantages of rapid prototyping for clinical use have been recognized. However, demonstrations of potential solutions to treat spinal problems that cannot be solved otherwise are scarce. In this paper, we describe the development, regulatory process, and clinical application of two types of patient specific 3D-printed devices that were developed at an in-house 3D point-of-care facility. This 3D lab made it possible to elegantly treat patients with spinal problems that could not have been treated in a conventional manner. The first device, applied in three patients, is a printed nylon drill guide, with such accuracy that it can be used for insertion of cervical pedicle screws in very young children, which has been applied even in semi-acute settings. The other is a 3D-printed titanium spinal column prosthesis that was used to treat progressive and severe deformities due to lysis of the anterior column in three patients. The unique opportunity to control size, shape, and material characteristics allowed a relatively easy solution for these patients, who were developing paraplegia. In this paper, we discuss the pathway toward the design and final application, including technical file creation for dossier building and challenges within a point-of-care lab.

Original languageEnglish
Article number395
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • 3D-printed
  • Biomechanical
  • Implants
  • Pedicle guides
  • Spinal implants

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Vital Role of In-House 3D Lab to Create Unprecedented Solutions for Challenges in Spinal Surgery, Practical Guidelines and Clinical Case Series'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this