The use of physical biomodelling in complex spinal surgery.

Eur Spine J

Paediatric Spine Research Group, Level 2, Mater Children's Hospital, Queensland University of Technology and Mater Health Services Brisbane Ltd, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.

Published: September 2007

Prior studies have suggested that biomodels enhance patient education, preoperative planning and intra-operative stereotaxy; however, the usefulness of biomodels compared to regular imaging modalities such as X-ray, CT and MR has not been quantified. Our objective was to quantify the surgeon's perceptions on the usefulness of biomodels compared to standard visualisation modalities for preoperative planning and intra-operative anatomical reference. Physical biomodels were manufactured for a series of 26 consecutive patients with complex spinal pathologies using a stereolithographic technique based on CT data. The biomodels were used preoperatively for surgical planning and customising implants, and intra-operatively for anatomical reference. Following surgery, a detailed biomodel utility survey was completed by the surgeons, and informal telephone interviews were conducted with patients. Using biomodels, 21 deformity and 5 tumour cases were performed. Surgeons stated that the anatomical details were better visible on the biomodel than on other imaging modalities in 65% of cases, and exclusively visible on the biomodel in 11% of cases. Preoperative use of the biomodel led to a different decision regarding the choice of osteosynthetic materials used in 52% of cases, and the implantation site of osteosynthetic material in 74% of cases. Surgeons reported that the use of biomodels reduced operating time by a mean of 8% in tumour patients and 22% in deformity procedures. This study supports biomodelling as a useful, and sometimes essential tool in the armamentarium of imaging techniques used for complex spinal surgery.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2200746PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00586-006-0289-3DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

complex spinal
12
spinal surgery
8
preoperative planning
8
planning intra-operative
8
biomodels compared
8
imaging modalities
8
anatomical reference
8
visible biomodel
8
biomodels
7
cases
5

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!