Applying 3-Dimensional Printing and Modeling for Preoperative Reconstruction and Instrumentation Placement Planning in Complex Deformity Surgery.

Background: Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the development of customized instrumentation and surgical training platforms. However, no existing studies have assessed how patient-specific 3D-printed spine models can facilitate patient education and operative planning in complex spinal deformity correction.

Objective: To present a cost-effective technique for constructing personalized 3D-printed spine models for patients with severe spinal deformities and to outline how these models can promote informed consent, trainee education, and planning for instrumentation placement and alignment correction.